The BA.2 sublineages of the Omicron variant remained the dominant group but continued to lose ground overall. They accounted for 72% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S22 survey (May 30). At the same time, the detection of BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages continued to rise: they accounted for 3.7% and 24.2% of interpretable sequences, respectively (compared to 1.4% and 13.3% in Flash S21). In line with the rise of these sublineages, the presence of the L452 mutation in screening tests continued to increase (46% in week 23 compared to 28% in week 22).

Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated May 18, 2022.

Vaccination efforts must continue: as of June 13, only 29.1% of those aged 60–79 and 29.2% of those aged 80 and older eligible for the second booster dose had actually received it.

Against the backdrop of increasing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and a decline in the consistent adoption of preventive measures, adherence to protective measures is essential to limit the spread of the epidemic and protect the most vulnerable populations. During this period of early heat waves, ventilation of enclosed spaces should be limited to the coolest hours of the day. Among the recommendations, strengthening other preventive measures is also advised: handwashing, wearing a mask in public spaces, and physical distancing. Adherence to other measures remains essential in the event of symptoms, a positive test result, or exposure to a confirmed case.

For more information: COVID-19 Epidemiological Update of June 16, 2022.

As a reminder, the SI-DEP indicators, which relate to the virological monitoring of the COVID-19 epidemic and are produced daily, are now published only on weekdays—that is, every day except weekends and holidays—on Géodes and Data.gouv.fr as of Saturday, June 11, 2022.