The department with the highest and rising incidence rate is the one with the highest proportion of the Delta variant (Landes). As of June 21, 2021, 48% of the population had received one dose of the vaccine, and 28% of the population was fully vaccinated. Against the backdrop of the Delta variant’s increasing spread and the latest easing of health restrictions, a sustained increase in vaccination coverage remains essential to continue containing the epidemic, as does maintaining a high level of adherence to prevention and testing measures, contact tracing, and compliance with isolation in the event of infection or contact with a confirmed case.

The incidence rate continues to decline sharply

Nationally, 16,121 new cases were confirmed in week 24, representing an average of approximately 2,300 cases per day. The incidence rate fell sharply to 24 per 100,000 inhabitants (-40% compared to week 23). This sharp decline was observed across all age groups and in all regions. Testing and positivity rates decreased (to 2,622 per 100,000 inhabitants, a 6% decrease compared to Week 23, and 0.9%, a 0.5-point decrease compared to Week 23).

In the overseas territories, the situation remained concerning in French Guiana, which had the highest incidence, hospitalization, and critical care admission rates in France, although these were decreasing this week.

Continued decline in hospital admissions and deaths

The decline in the number of reported new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units, observed since Week 15, continued in Week 24 (-35% and -38% compared to Week 23, respectively). The number of COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized continued to decline as of June 22, with 10,105 patients hospitalized, including 1,573 in critical care units.

The number of deaths from all causes and across all age groups has returned to its usual fluctuation range since Week 20. Deaths among hospitalized COVID-19 patients fell by 16% in Week 24, and those occurring in social and medico-social institutions (ESMS) remained at a very low level.

The proportion of the Alpha variant is decreasing, while that of the Delta variant is rising sharply

A new national strategy for systematic RT-PCR screening of SARS-CoV-2 positive tests was implemented starting May 31, 2021, and allows for the targeting of the three mutations of interest: E484K (carried notably by the Beta and Gamma variants), E484Q, and L452R (carried notably by the Delta variant). In week 24, the E484K, E484Q, and L452R mutations were detected in 16.9%, 0.9%, and 10.5% of the screened positive samples, respectively.

The increased circulation of the Delta variant in mainland France is leading to a rise in community transmission and more sustained circulation of the virus in certain regions. The growing spread of this variant is being monitored with the utmost attention, given its increased transmissibility compared to the reference viral strains and the Alpha VOC, a possible increase in the severity of infection, and preliminary data suggesting slightly reduced vaccine efficacy, especially in cases of incomplete vaccination.

38% of 18- to 24-year-olds have received at least one dose of the vaccine

As of June 21, 2021:

• 32,251,646 people had received at least one dose of the vaccine, representing 48% of the population

• 18,734,028 were fully vaccinated, representing 28% of the population

Nearly 38% of young adults (ages 18 to 24) have received a first dose of the vaccine. However, vaccination coverage, while high among older adults, has struggled to increase in recent weeks, highlighting the need to encourage and facilitate access to vaccination for older adults who have not yet been vaccinated through targeted initiatives.

Vaccination coverage among residents in nursing homes (Ehpad) or long-term care facilities (USLD) is high: 88% for at least one dose and 82% for full vaccination. Coverage among private healthcare professionals is also high: 79% for the first dose and 71% for full vaccination. Vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals working in nursing homes and long-term care facilities was estimated at 57% for the first dose and 44% for full vaccination.