COVID-19 – Update as of August 23, 2023: The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate; vigilance remains essential
Santé publique France has released an update as of August 23, 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 33 (August 14–20, 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.
Incidence remains low
In week 33 (August 14–20, 2023), an increase in the number of emergency department visits for suspected COVID-19 across all age groups was observed in France (2,197 in W33 vs. 1,555 in W32, a 41% increase). The proportion of hospitalizations following an emergency department visit remains stable. SOS Médecins
medical procedures for suspected COVID-19 also increased, with 2,670 procedures in week 33 vs. 1,888 in week 32, a 41% increase.
It is important to note that these figures remain at low levels compared to those observed during previous waves of the epidemic.
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The incidence* of COVID-19 in France shows a 47% increase compared to Week 32, rising from 12.4 to 18.2 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants, though it remains at very low levels (12,318 cases in Week 33). The incidence rate is rising across all age groups, but is highest among those aged 80 and older (incidence rate of 68.8 among those aged 90 and older and 45.1 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 major 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 33 came from six regions, five of which are the same as in the past two weeks: Île-de-France (n=1,664), Occitanie (n=1,657), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA, n=1,384), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (n=1,381), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (n=1,364), and Grand Est (n=1,334).
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 the assessment of its progression.
More information:
Which variants are currently circulating in France?
The situation in France remains characterized by the co-circulation of numerous Omicron sublineages, particularly XBB sublineages (XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.16). According to the latest Flash surveys, the circulation of the EG.5 lineage (including all its sublineages) appears to be stabilizing at around 30%. Based on data as of August 21, 2023, no sequences corresponding to BA.2.86 have been identified in France, but all stakeholders involved in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants remain vigilant.
View variant risk assessments
Adherence to preventive measures remains necessary
Adherence to preventive measures is still essential. Isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms, and continued adherence to preventive measures, are still recommended: 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 individuals, remains important to prevent severe illness in the event of active viral circulation, and the joint flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign will be the subject of a future announcement.
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