Situation update

In week 30, the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 was still very high throughout the country. However, there was a more moderate increase in the number of cases, resulting in a lower reproduction number (1.27 vs 1.89 in week 29). Although the highest incidence rates were still among 10-39 year-olds, the increase this week was most pronounced among people aged 40 and over, reflecting the spread of the epidemic from the youngest to the oldest in the population. The increase in new hospital and intensive care admissions accelerated, confirming the impact of this fourth epidemic wave on hospitals. Contact tracking data indicate poorer identification of contacts and transmission chains during this summer period. As of 03 August 2021, 64.5% of the French population had received at least one dose of vaccine and 53.8% were fully vaccinated. Given the high level of viral circulation, the strong spread of the Delta variant, and the summer holidays, the vaccination of all eligible people - especially those in contact with vulnerable persons - must continue to be strongly encouraged to achieve a sufficient level of herd immunity, and to avoid putting new stains on hospitals and excess deaths. Vaccination must be combined with a high level of adherence to other preventive measures, notably by respecting protective measures, limiting at-risk contacts, and self-isolating in the event of symptoms, confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.