Key Points

In Week 38, SARS-CoV-2 transmission remained high, although the increase in the number of cases was less pronounced. Furthermore, hospital indicators were on the rise.

• Mainland France:

  • Smaller increase in the incidence rate compared to the previous week across the entire country

  • A more significant increase in the incidence rate among older adults

  • Hospital admissions on the rise

  Overseas territories:

  • Incidence rates are declining across all territories

Variants

• Omicron sublineages: BA.5 ubiquitous, accounting for 91% of sequences in the Flash S37 survey (09/12)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of September 26, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 74.4% of those aged 18 and older, as well as 82.4% of those aged 65 and older, have received their first booster dose

  • 29.3% of those aged 60–79 (34.8% of those eligible based on the time since their last dose) and 36.9% of those aged 80 and older (48.3% of those eligible) have received their second booster dose

• Given the accelerating spread of SARS-CoV-2, adherence to combined measures remains essential:

  • keeping COVID-19 vaccinations up to date, particularly the second booster dose for older adults;

  • 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.