In week 24 (June 13–19), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued to increase across mainland France for the third consecutive week. An increase in the incidence rate was observed nationwide (+29%) and affected all age groups. New hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care were on the rise, particularly among those aged 80 and older, while the number of deaths continued to decline. In the overseas territories, virological indicators remained very high, although they were declining in Martinique.

The BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant accounted for 51% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S23 survey (06/07). A gradual replacement of BA.2 has been observed for several weeks, with an increase in the detection of BA.5 (41%) and BA.4 (6%). In line with the rise of these sublineages, the presence of the L452 mutation in screening tests continued to increase (64% vs. 47% in S23). Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated June 15, 2022.

As of June 20, 2022, the estimated vaccination coverage in the general population based on Vaccin Covid was 79.8% for a complete primary vaccination series and 59.7% for the booster dose. Only about one-third of those aged 60 and older eligible for the second booster dose had received it. Vaccination efforts must therefore be stepped up to improve vaccination coverage more rapidly, particularly for booster doses among eligible individuals.

In Wave 34 of the CoviPrev¹ survey, following several months of increases, the decline in adherence to preventive measures—particularly mask-wearing—was confirmed in May 2022, with an 8% drop between the April and May waves. Only 34% of respondents reported wearing a mask in public. Against the backdrop of increased SARS-CoV-2 circulation and reduced adherence to preventive measures, the implementation of preventive measures remains essential to limit the spread of the epidemic and protect the most vulnerable populations. Adherence to other recommended measures also remains critical in the event of symptoms, a positive test result, or exposure to a confirmed case.

Based on data from reports of nosocomial infections, the hypotheses explaining COVID-19 transmission in healthcare facilities highlight the following areas of concern: the early identification of COVID-19 cases upon admission or during hospitalization, and strict adherence to preventive measures, particularly during patient care and visitor reception.

In the context of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2, vaccination and adherence to infection control measures remain essential to limit the spread of the epidemic and protect the most vulnerable individuals. Compliance with other recommended measures is also critical in the event of symptoms, a positive test result, or exposure to a confirmed case.