Key points

In week 37, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 accelerated throughout metropolitan France, with a sharp rise in virological indicators.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Significant rise in incidence across the territory

  • Increases in incidence rate most substantial in the under-20 and 30-49 age groups (more than 50%)

  • Stabilisation of hospital indicators at national level with regional disparities

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate falling in most regions except Martinique

Variants

Omicron sub-lineages: BA.5 omnipresent, accounting for 93% of sequences in the week 36 Flash Survey (5 September)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 19 September 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 74.3% of the population aged 18+ and 82.4% of people aged 65+ had received a booster dose

  • 28.7% of 60-79 year-olds (representing 34.2% of those eligible given the date of their last injection) and 36.4% of people aged 80+ (47.8% of those eligible) had received a second booster dose

• Given the acceleration in circulation of SARS-CoV-2, compliance with the combined measures remains necessary:

  • staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including the second booster dose for vulnerable people;

  • self-isolation in case of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or symptoms;

  • continued application of precautionary measures, including wearing a mask, particularly around people atrisk and in enclosed areas favourable to transmission (especially public transport and large gatherings), as well as frequent hand washing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.