The suspension of the transmission of COVID-19 test results to the SI-DEP database from October 27 to November 3, as well as the suspension of operations by some private clinical laboratories between November 14 and 17 and December 1 and 2, disrupted the production of virological indicators by Santé publique France.
Consequently, the analysis of virological indicators from SI-DEP produced starting October 28 relies on antigen tests (TAG), primarily conducted by community pharmacies, as well as on RT-PCR tests from laboratories that continued to report results.

SARS-CoV-2 circulation continued to rise

In week 49 (December 5–11), despite strike action by some private medical laboratories, the majority of virological indicators, as well as those regarding healthcare utilization, remained consistent and showed that the epidemic continued to progress, though at a slower pace than the previous week. Positivity rates based on antigen tests (TAG) and on all tests were decreasing.

Healthcare utilization for suspected COVID-19 continued to rise in emergency departments, with 5,194 cases recorded (+17%). This trend was observed across all age groups, with the exception of those aged 15–44. Visits to SOS Médecins totaled 3,582 cases (+4%), with an increase among those under 15 and those 65 and older.

New hospital admissions continue to rise

In week 49, the number of new hospitalizations continued to rise (7,475, or +2%, unconsolidated data) but at a less pronounced rate compared to the previous three weeks (+20% in week 48). In critical care, 625 admissions were recorded (unconsolidated data, or -2% vs. +18% in week 48). As for the number of deaths in hospitals and long-term care facilities, an increase was observed (526, or +8%, unconsolidated data).

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous

In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 92% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S48 survey (11/28). Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage (including its sublineages) continued to rise at a steady pace, accounting for 62% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S48 survey (vs. 60% for Flash S47). Additional information will be available in the next risk analysis, which will be published shortly on our website: Coronavirus: Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

Co-circulation of respiratory viruses: vaccination efforts must be stepped up among eligible individuals

As of December 12, 11.4% of those aged 60–79 and 14.0% of those aged 80 and older had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (12.6% and 16.0%, respectively, among eligible individuals)¹. Furthermore, 33.4% of those aged 60–79 are considered protected by vaccination (provided they have received a recent dose within the last 6 months), as are 16.7% of those aged 80 and older (having received a dose within the last 3 months, all vaccines combined). These proportions do not take into account SARS-CoV-2 infections that may have occurred during this period.

As of December 12, vaccination coverage rates for the full primary vaccination series and the first booster dose among healthcare workers are estimated at 95.6% and 86.0%, respectively, for those working in nursing homes; 97.7% and 88.7% for private practitioners; and 96.5% and 88.2% for those working in healthcare facilities. Vaccination coverage for the booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant among healthcare professionals is estimated at 7.3% among those working in nursing homes, 8.3% among private practitioners, and 8.4% among those working in healthcare facilities. The fall vaccination campaign, including the booster dose adapted to the Omicron variant, began on October 3, 2022.

The Agency reminds the public that it is essential to keep COVID-19 vaccinations up to date, particularly by receiving a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals who have received their initial vaccination (3 or 6 months after the last dose, depending on current recommendations).

Furthermore, given the sharp increase in influenza surveillance indicators across the country, it is strongly recommended that individuals at risk of developing severe influenza get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as possible. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered during the same visit.

Given the active circulation of several respiratory viruses, adherence to preventive measures is essential, particularly as the holiday season approaches

To protect yourself and those at risk of severe illness, the use of preventive measures—including wearing a mask (in the presence of vulnerable individuals, or in crowded indoor spaces such as public transportation)—remains necessary and must be emphasized to also safeguard the healthcare system. Adherence to other recommended measures also remains essential: self-isolation if you test positive and/or if you have symptoms, handwashing, and ventilating enclosed spaces.

With the bronchiolitis outbreak currently at high levels, parents of infants and young children, as well as those around them, are also advised to adopt preventive measures to limit the transmission of the virus that causes bronchiolitis.

For more information on COVID-19, surveillance systems, and vaccination, visit the Santé Publique France resource page and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all data freely available on Géodes.