In week 26 (June 27–July 3, 2022), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued to accelerate across mainland France. The incidence rate rose again by more than 50% in nearly all age groups and in all regions of mainland France. New hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units continued to rise, and the number of deaths also increased. In the overseas territories, a marked increase in incidence rates was observed in Guadeloupe and Réunion.

The BA.5 sublineage of the Omicron variant remained dominant, accounting for 67% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S25 survey (June 20), confirming its replacement of the BA.2 variant (18% of sequences). BA.4, meanwhile, was identified in 7% of sequences. In line with the spread of these sublineages, the presence of the L452 mutation in screening tests continued to increase (80% vs. 74% in S25). Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated June 15, 2022.

As part of the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases, Santé publique France is conducting research using the SI-DEP virological database. Possible cases of reinfection accounted for 4.1% of all confirmed COVID-19 cases detected in the SI-DEP database between March 2, 2021, and June 12, 2022. This proportion has been rising sharply since December 2021, and the vast majority of these reinfections occurred during the fifth wave.

• More information: Update on the risks of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection.

As of July 4, 2022, vaccination coverage in the general population was 79.8% for a complete primary vaccination series and 60.0% for the booster dose, with a slight upward trend. Only 26.5% of those aged 60–79, 31.7% of those aged 80 and older, and 42.2% of nursing home residents who were eligible had received their second booster dose. Vaccination efforts must be stepped up to improve vaccination coverage, which remains insufficient in certain regions such as the French West Indies and French Guiana and among the elderly, even though the latter had the highest hospitalization rates and only one-third of eligible individuals aged 80 and older had received the second booster dose.

Against the backdrop of increased SARS-CoV-2 transmission and summer vacations—which encourage activities that promote the spread of the virus—adherence to combined preventive measures remains essential to limit the spread of the epidemic and protect the most vulnerable populations. It remains necessary to self-isolate in the event of symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test. It is essential for individuals to follow preventive measures, including wearing a mask (in the presence of vulnerable people and in crowded indoor spaces, particularly on public transportation or at large gatherings), handwashing, and frequently ventilating enclosed spaces.

Additionally, Santé publique France has published an update on the epidemiological situation related to COVID-19 among children and adolescents aged 0–17.

This week, Santé publique France implemented two changes in the production of COVID-19 monitoring indicators. The first concerned data from the SOS Médecins associations, which contribute to monitoring and analyzing the use of outpatient medical care. Following a change in the national server at SOS Médecins France, the Agency took the necessary steps to ensure proper data reception. This change has been in effect since July 6. The second change involved updating the population and geographic reference frameworks used to generate COVID-19-related indicators, particularly virological, hospital, and vaccination indicators. This update took place on July 7.