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 34 (August 21–27, 2023), the slight increase in indicators already observed in previous weeks continues, albeit at a slower pace, and 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 34 (August 21–27, 2023), the number of emergency room visits for suspected COVID-19 across all age groups continued to rise, though at a slower pace than in week 33 (2,696 in W34 vs. 2,196 in W33, a 23% increase, compared to a 44% increase between W33 and W32) in France. The proportion of hospitalizations following emergency department visits remains stable, and intensive care admissions remain at a very low level. SOS Médecins
medical procedures for suspected COVID-19 are also increasing at a slower rate, with 2,853 procedures in Week 34 vs. 2,674 in Week 33, representing a 7% increase (the increase was 41% between Weeks 33 and 32).

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:

• OSCOUR National Information Bulletin of August 29, 2023

• SOS Médecins National Information Bulletin of August 28, 2023

The incidence* of COVID-19 in France continues to rise, though at a slightly slower pace than last week, increasing from 18 to 24 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 inhabitants (a 33% increase), while remaining at very low levels (16,613 cases in Week 34). The incidence rate is rising across all age groups, but is highest among those aged 70 and older (incidence rate of 75 among those aged 90 and older; 52 among those aged 80–89; and 34 among those aged 70–79).

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.

A high number of clusters in long-term care facilities (LTCFs)

Since the launch of the new surveillance system for clusters of acute respiratory infections in week 25, there has been an increase in reports. An upward trend has been observed since week 27, with a significant increase in week 32 (93 new cases vs. 45 cases in week 31). The number of new ARI cases over the past two weeks remains high (79 cases in week 33 and 60 cases in week 34, unconsolidated data). The protection against severe disease provided by previous vaccinations has likely waned, as the most recent booster doses were administered some time ago, and vaccination coverage achieved following the spring campaign—which specifically targeted those aged 80 and older—remained low (9.5% for booster doses among nursing home residents). As a result, the COVID-19 vaccination to be offered in the fall is essential to protect those at risk of severe disease.

The increase continues in most regions

Most of the laboratory-confirmed positive cases during week 34 came from the same six regions as last week: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA, n=2,244), Occitanie (n=2,111), Île-de-France (n=2,074), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (n=1,943), Grand Est (n=1,757), and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (n=1,554). While an increase in the number of cases is observed in all metropolitan 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 the school year begins.

Nevertheless, in S34, a stabilization in emergency room visits is observed in several regions: Centre-Val de Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (in OSCOUR® data), Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France, and Normandy (in SOS Médecins data), and even a decrease in emergency room visits in Normandy and in SOS Médecins medical procedures in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Santé publique France continues to monitor the epidemic through existing systems that allow for an assessment of its progression.

More information:

• COVID-19 Surveillance as of July 1, 2023

• View regional epidemiological updates on the Santé publique France website

Compliance with preventive measures remains essential

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, remain 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 the administration of a booster dose for the most vulnerable individuals, remains important to prevent severe cases in the event of active viral circulation, and the joint flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign will be the subject of a future announcement.