For the first time since 2021, virological indicators from the COVID-19 surveillance system show that viral circulation has fluctuated at low levels, with the Omicron variant having been the almost exclusive strain in circulation for the past year.

Three years after the start of the pandemic, management measures have been adjusted to account for changes in the health impact of COVID-19. For example, specific measures requiring the systematic isolation of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 have been lifted, and current recommendations now align with those applied to other acute respiratory infections. In line with these developments, and consistent with the approaches taken across all European countries, surveillance of the COVID-19 epidemic in France is adapting, particularly regarding our reports and their dissemination.

Starting March 1, the Weekly Epidemiological Report on the COVID-19 situation in France will be published on the same day as the other surveillance bulletins (influenza and bronchiolitis), namely on Wednesdays, rather than Thursdays as is currently the case. The Regional Epidemiological Reports will be published starting on Thursdays.

For COVID-19, surveillance of variants continues throughout the country.

Furthermore, the regular publication of updates on the epidemiological situation among specific populations, such as children and healthcare workers, has been suspended due to the lack of specific trends in these groups. However, ad hoc updates may be published as the situation warrants.

These changes are ultimately part of an effort to standardize COVID-19 surveillance and gradually integrate it into the routine monitoring of respiratory epidemics. This integrated surveillance strategy for acute respiratory infections offers a comprehensive approach to acute respiratory diseases, the main ones being COVID-19, influenza, and bronchiolitis. It will be fully implemented by the start of the 2023–2024 season and will be the subject of specific information prior to its implementation.