Key Points

In Week 46, all virological indicators (calculated based on antigen tests alone and all tests combined) and healthcare utilization indicators showed a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 circulation across the country. Similarly, hospital indicators were on the rise again.

• Mainland France:

  • Rising incidence rates

  • Rising positivity rates

  • Uptick in new hospitalizations and critical care admissions

• Overseas territories:

  • Increasing incidence rates in most regions, particularly in French Guiana and Mayotte

Variants

• Omicron sublineages: BA.5 is ubiquitous, accounting for 93% of sequences in the Flash S45 survey (11/07)

• Among BA.5 sublineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (39% vs. 29% in Flash S43)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of November 21, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 6.1% of those aged 60–79 had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (8.6% of those eligible). Additionally, 31.2% of them are considered protected by vaccination.

  • 7.9% of those aged 80 and older had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (9.7% of those eligible) and 12.0% are considered protected

• Given the active circulation of SARS-CoV-2, adherence to combined measures is essential:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for those eligible who have received their primary vaccination series, isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;

  • continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask (in the presence of vulnerable individuals, in crowded indoor spaces, or during gatherings), handwashing, and ventilating enclosed spaces.

Learn more

• See our report on the COVID-19 pandemic

• Go directly to the graphs and tables of indicators on InfoCovidFrance

• Visit our page on variants

• View all national epidemiological updates