Key Points

In Week 39, SARS-CoV-2 transmission was rising sharply across mainland France, particularly among older adults. The increase was also continuing in hospital indicators.

• Mainland France:

  • Incidence rate continues to rise, except among those under 20

  • Sharp rise in the incidence rate among older adults

  • Hospital admissions and deaths on the rise

• Overseas territories:

  • Incidence rates are decreasing across all territories

Variants

• Omicron sublineages: BA.5 ubiquitous, accounting for 91% of sequences in the Flash S38 survey (09/19)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of October 3, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 74.4% of those aged 18 and older, as well as 82.5% of those aged 65 and older, have received their first booster dose

  • 29.8% of those aged 60–79 (35.3% of those eligible based on the time since their last dose) and 37.3% of those aged 80 and older (48.8% of those eligible) have received their second booster dose

• CoviPrev Survey Wave 35 (September 12–19):

  • Continued easing of public health measures, particularly mask-wearing

  • Less than half of those at risk of severe forms of influenza report intending to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19

• Against the backdrop of increased SARS-CoV-2 circulation, adherence to combined measures remains essential:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including receiving 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 series;

  • isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;

  • continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask, particularly in the presence of vulnerable populations or in crowded indoor spaces (on public transportation or at large gatherings, etc.), as well as handwashing and ventilating enclosed spaces.