Key points

In week 15, the positivity rate (based on SI-DEP virological data) continued to increase in a context of very low screening rates. Emergency department visits were on the rise, while new hospital admissions were decreasing.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Incidence and positivity rates rising in most age groups and regions

  • Hospital admission rate decreasing in majority of regions

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate increasing in most regions

  • Hospital admissions remain very low

Variants

• The recombinant XBB.1.5 appeared to stabilise with 57% of sequences in the week 13 Flash Survey

• The BQ.1 sub-lineage continued to decrease (5% in the week 13 Flash Survey vs 7% in week 12)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 17 April 2023 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 23.6% of 60-79 year-olds and 26.3% of 80+ year-olds had received a booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant

  • 23.0% of 60-79 year-olds had received a dose of vaccine in the last 6 months and 4.0% of 80+ year-olds in the last 3 months

• Given that SARS-CoV-2 remains in active circulation, continued compliance with preventive measures is recommended:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose of bivalent vaccine (protecting against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals already vaccinated with a primary series;

  • continued application of precautionary measures, particularly in case of a positive test and/or symptoms, to protect vulnerable individuals.