COVID-19 Epidemiological Update for June 9, 2022: Incidence Rate Rises After Eight Weeks of Decline; Hospitalizations Continue to Fall

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Published on 10 June 2022

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Santé publique France
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Stéphanie Champion: 01 41 79 67 48
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Camille Le Hyaric: 01 41 79 68 64

Published weekly, the epidemiological update on COVID-19 surveillance provides a detailed analysis of the indicators established by Santé publique France and its network of partners to track the progression of the epidemic and inform public policy decisions.

In Week 22 (May 30–June 5), incidence and positivity rates rose after several weeks of decline, across most age groups and regions. Hospital indicators, meanwhile, continued to decline at the national level. In the overseas territories, incidence and positivity rates remained particularly high in Martinique.

The BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant was predominant, accounting for 80% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S21 survey (May 23). These data showed an increase in the detection of the BA.4 and BA.5 sublineages, which accounted for 1.1% and 18.0% of interpretable sequences, respectively. The presence of the L452 mutation in screening tests (27% in week 22) was again on the rise this week, in line with the increase in certain Omicron sublineages, including BA.4 and BA.5. Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated May 18, 2022.

The XD recombinant, detected at low levels since early January 2022, accounts for less than 0.1% of interpretable sequences in Flash S19 and was not detected during Flash S20.

Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures

In Wave 34 of the CoviPrev survey (April 9–16, 2022), following several months of increases, the decline in adherence to preventive measures—particularly mask-wearing—was confirmed in May 2022 (a 8% decrease between the April and May waves). Only hourly ventilation appears to have increased in May, possibly due to rising temperatures. For most preventive measures, the intention to maintain them next winter is primarily motivated by the presence of symptoms or in the event of an outbreak (winter illness or a new wave of COVID-19). Even though special attention is paid when around vulnerable people, the intention to wear a mask or wash hands regularly in the event of symptoms is far from guaranteed in all circumstances. Since late 2021, intentions to get vaccinated have stabilized, as has respondents’ uptake of the booster dose since April 2022: 71% of respondents had received a COVID-19 booster, and 62% of those who had already received a first booster were in favor of a second dose. There is therefore concern that the proportion of adults covered by a booster shot has reached a plateau and is stabilizing around 70%. The positive reception of the second booster dose is confirmed, particularly among targeted populations. Parents’ uptake of vaccination for their children aged 5–11 has changed very little at a low level since January 2022.

More information: Update on adherence to preventive measures (CoviPrev, wave 34)

The vaccination effort must continue: as of June 7, only 31.0% of those aged 60–79 and 28.4% of those aged 80 and older who were eligible for the second booster dose had actually received it.

Given the emerging rise in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the decline in consistent adherence to preventive measures, it is essential to reiterate the importance of practicing preventive measures 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.

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