COVID-19 – Update as of August 16, 2023: Case rates are rising slightly across all age groups; vigilance remains essential
Santé publique France has released an update as of August 16, 2023, on trends in the number of COVID-19 cases in France as part of its epidemic surveillance system.
The SurSaUD® syndromic surveillance system
Santé publique France has developed a health surveillance system known as syndromic surveillance, which is based on the collection of non-specific data. The system enables the daily...
Since July 1, the information systems used for COVID-19 surveillance have evolved. Santé publique France continues to monitor the epidemic through its multi-source system, which allows for an assessment of its progression. This system relies in particular on indicators related to syndromic surveillance (use of SOS Médecins associations and hospital emergency departments, mortality) and virological (néoSIDEP) and genomic surveillance. In week 32 (August 7–13, 2023), the slight increase in indicators already observed in previous weeks continues, but the indicators remain at low levels. The current situation requires continued vigilance, and Santé publique France, along with health authorities, remain fully mobilized.
A very low incidence rate
In week 32 (August 7–13, 2023), an increase in the number of emergency department visits for suspected COVID-19 across all age groups was observed in France (1,547 in W32 vs. 979 in W31, a 58% increase). The proportion of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit remains stable. SOS Médecins
medical procedures for suspected COVID-19 also increased, with 1,882 procedures in week 32 vs. 1,515 in week 31, a 24% increase.
It is important to note that these figures remain at low levels compared to those observed during previous waves of the epidemic. For more information:
The incidence* of COVID-19 in France shows a 60% increase compared to week 31, rising from 7.7 to 12.3 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants, though it remains at very low levels (8,351 cases in week 32). The incidence rate is rising across all age groups, but is highest among those aged 80 and older (incidence rate of 51.2 among those aged 90 and older and 32.7 among those aged 80–89).
The current situation requires continued vigilance, and the surveillance systems in place allow us to assess its evolution. Given the low incidence levels currently observed, it is not unusual to see fluctuations or localized outbreaks of active transmission, which will not necessarily result in significant waves. It remains important, however, to continue monitoring SARS-CoV-2 using existing systems, particularly syndromic surveillance (the SOS Médecins and OSCOUR networks, all-cause mortality, and electronic death certification) as well as virological and genomic surveillance.
*Please note that incidence rates should be interpreted with caution, as this indicator reflects only laboratory-confirmed cases and not the actual situation (fewer tests overall and testing practices that may vary over time; results from pharmacy-based tests and self-tests are not included). These data do, however, help to assess trends.
An increase in all regions
Most of the laboratory-confirmed positive cases during week 32 came from the same five regions as the previous week: Île-de-France (n=1,157), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (n=1,134), Occitanie (n=1,075), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA, n=1,015), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (n=926).
While an increase in the number of cases is observed in all regions, most cases are still reported in heavily visited tourist regions, highlighting the additional role of other types of gatherings during the holiday season. This increase could therefore continue or fluctuate as schools reopen.
Santé publique France continues to monitor the epidemic through existing systems that allow for an assessment of its progression.
More information:
Adherence to preventive measures remains necessary
Adherence to preventive measures is still required. Isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms, and continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask, particularly in the presence of older adults or in crowded indoor spaces (including public transportation) or during large gatherings, as well as handwashing and ventilating enclosed spaces.
COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose for the most vulnerable, remains important to prevent severe illness when the virus is actively circulating, and the joint flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign will be the subject of a future announcement.
See the previous update
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