Incidence and positivity rates on the rise across all age groups

In Week 11 (March 13–19, 2023), incidence and positivity rates rose for the second consecutive week, while remaining at low levels. As in Week 10 (March 6–12), the incidence rate remained lowest among those under 20, but increased more sharply in this age group. The positivity rate remained lowest among those under 10. The testing rate increased slightly among those under 20, remained stable among those aged 20–49, and decreased among those aged 50 and older.

Seekers of care for suspected COVID-19 on the rise and new hospitalizations on the decline

The number of emergency room visits was on the rise (1,899, +20%), as were visits to SOS Médecins (1,311, +29%), though less markedly than last week. In line with the return to school, the increase was more pronounced among children than adults (+41% vs. +27% for SOS Médecins; +50% vs. +17% for emergency room visits). New hospitalizations were decreasing (1,955, -13% / unconsolidated data) in most regions.

Variants: the XBB recombinant is predominant

Since the emergence of Omicron in late 2021, significant and rapid genetic diversification has been observed within this variant and its successive sublineages. However, all Omicron sublineages described to date retain very similar characteristics and are therefore all included within it. In mainland France, the XBB recombinant (all sublineages included) is now the dominant Omicron sublineage, accounting for 71% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S09 survey of February 27, 2023 (vs. 54% for Flash S08). The increase in XBB is driven by its sublineage XBB.1.5, which, together with its sublineages, accounted for 56% of interpretable sequences in Flash S09-2023 (vs. 45% for Flash S08). At the same time, BA.5 and its sublineages continued to decline, from 36% in Flash S08 to 20% in Flash S09-2023, with a notable decrease in BQ.1.1 (from 31% in Flash S08 to 16% in Flash S09-2023). Detection of BA.2 sublineages, which had remained stable until now, appeared to be starting to decline, at 6% for Flash S09-2023 (vs. 8% for Flash S08). More information will be available in the variant risk analysis expected to be published later this week: Coronavirus: Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

Adherence to combined measures remains necessary

Due to insufficient vaccination booster rates and the continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 vaccination among target groups remains necessary. Adherence to preventive measures and other recommended precautions is still advised, particularly in cases of symptoms or a positive test result, as well as to protect vulnerable individuals.

For more information on COVID-19, surveillance systems, and vaccination, visit the Santé Publique France resource page and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all open-access data on Géodes.