In week 06 (February 7–13), the decline in the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak accelerated nationwide. Incidence rates remained high, however (nearly 1,400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants per week). An improvement was observed across all regions and age groups. The decline in hospital admissions continued this week, but the number of deaths has remained high for several weeks due to the scale of the fifth wave of the epidemic. The BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant continued to spread, though it remained in the minority. As of February 15, 83.0% of those aged 65 and older and 74.3% of those aged 80 and older had received a booster shot. In this context, it appears necessary to integrate preventive measures into daily life as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy (wearing masks, handwashing, ventilation). Adherence to other recommended preventive measures, particularly self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a positive test result, or exposure to a high-risk contact, as well as participation in contact tracing, is essential to maintaining the current trajectory of the epidemic.

A decrease in the incidence rate across all age groups, most pronounced among those under 60

Nationally, the incidence rate decreased for the third consecutive week, and more markedly, with 1,367 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 06 (-44%). This decrease was observed across all age groups, and particularly among those under 60. Approximately 130,000 cases were reported on average per day. The testing rate continued to decline (-35%). The decrease in the positivity rate was confirmed among those under 60. The positivity rate also declined this week among those aged 60 and older, following six weeks of increases.

In mainland France, the incidence rate continued to decline across all regions, more markedly than in the previous week. The incidence fell below 2,500 per 100,000 in all regions. The highest rate was observed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine (2,107), while Île-de-France was once again the region with the lowest incidence rate, falling below the threshold of 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The testing rate continued to decline across all regions. In the overseas territories, the incidence rate decreased across all regions. It remained highest in Réunion (2,201) and Martinique (2,022).

Hospitalizations continue to decline, but death rates remain high

Nationally, the number of new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care continued to decline (by 29% and 27%, respectively). The number of deaths was down (by 9%), but still rising in long-term care facilities (unconsolidated data). Deaths attributed to COVID-19 remained high for several weeks and contributed to the rise in mortality observed since November 2021. In the overseas territories, the rate of new hospitalizations was decreasing in all regions and remained at a very low level in Mayotte.

Omicron now accounts for 99.3% of interpretable sequences

In Week 06, the dominance of Omicron in mainland France observed in screening data is confirmed by sequencing data from the Flash S05 survey (January 31). Omicron is also the dominant variant in the French overseas departments and regions (DROM). The Delta VOC accounted for only 0.6% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S05 survey. The B.1.640 VOI has not been detected since Flash S02 (January 10, 2022), but cases were identified outside of Flash surveys through S04. Preliminary data from the Flash S06 survey (02/07/2022) appear to confirm the trend of Omicron increasing relative to Delta.

To date, the Omicron VOC includes, within the parent lineage B.1.1.529, three sublineages: BA.1 (and its sublineage BA.1.1), BA.2, and BA.3. The Omicron sequences identified in France belong overwhelmingly to the BA.1 sublineage: 87% of the 2,061 Omicron sequences. While the BA.2 sublineage remains in the minority, its proportion is increasing nationwide, accounting for 10.7% of interpretable sequences. Preliminary data from the Flash S06 survey (02/07) confirm this upward trend, with 14.9% of BA.2 among the 757 Omicron sequences.

83% of those aged 65 and older have received their booster dose

As of February 15, 2022, the estimated vaccination coverage in the general population based on Vaccin Covid was 79.1% for a complete primary vaccination series and 56.9% for the booster dose. Among those aged 18 and older, 71.3% had received a booster dose, and 81.3% of those eligible for the booster as of that date had actually received it. Among those aged 65 and older, 83.0% had received a booster dose, and 90.7% of those eligible for it as of that date had received it. In addition, 8.8% of children aged 10 to 11 had received a first dose of the vaccine (3.0% for those aged 5 to 9).

Furthermore, Santé publique France has updated its surveillance of COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers in healthcare facilities and its report on contact tracing activities.