The suspension by some private clinical laboratories of the transmission of COVID-19 test results to the SI-DEP database since October 27 has disrupted the production of virological indicators by Santé publique France. Consequently, SI-DEP indicators produced as of October 28 are based on antigen tests (TAG), primarily conducted by pharmacies, as well as on RT-PCR tests from laboratories that have continued to submit data.
Santé publique France notes that since March 2020, monitoring the epidemiological dynamics of COVID-19 has relied on multi-source, integrated surveillance, which allows for assessing its evolution based on indicators other than those derived solely from laboratory data. These indicators include, in particular, emergency room visits, calls to SOS Médecins, hospitalizations (SI-VIC), deaths, and estimates of vaccination coverage. These indicators remain unaffected; they ensure continuity in tracking epidemic trends and will continue to inform the reports produced by the Agency.

Epidemiological situation calculated based solely on antigen tests (TAG)

In week 44 (October 31 to November 6), SARS-CoV-2 circulation continued to decline nationwide. Although the adjusted incidence rate calculated based solely on antigen tests (TAG) continued to decline, the decline was less pronounced than in previous weeks, and the positivity rate calculated via TAGs rose slightly (29.3%, or +0.7 percentage points). In the overseas territories, the adjusted incidence rate based on antigen tests was rising or stable in all regions.

What trends were observed in the other indicators used to monitor the epidemic?

Seekings of care for suspected COVID-19 continued to decline in emergency departments (2,844 visits, a decrease of 23%). This decline was significantly less pronounced in SOS Médecins clinics (2,723 cases, a decrease of 4%). The trend was the same across all age groups.
Hospital
indicators continued to decline. 3,521 new hospitalizations were recorded (a 27% decrease compared to Week 43), including 355 (-27% as well) in intensive care. As for the number of deaths in hospitals and long-term care facilities, it was also down (379, a 16% decrease; unconsolidated data).

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous

In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 92% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S42 survey (10/17). The S43 survey is not available due to an insufficient number of sequences to yield robust proportions. Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage continues to increase, but at a slower rate than initially, accounting for 28% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S42 survey (vs. 20% for Flash S41). The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continues to circulate, but at low levels, with 5% of interpretable sequences during Flash S42 (vs. 6% in S41). The detection of L452 mutations by screening tests remains stable at high levels (93% in S43 and S42), consistent with the circulation of BA.4 and BA.5 observed through sequencing. Additional information is available in the risk analysis dated October 26, 2022.

Vaccination and prevention remain essential

As of November 7, only 39.9% of those aged 60–79 and 52.6% of those aged 80 and older who were eligible (based on the time since their last dose) had received their second booster dose. Given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and the approach of winter, vaccination efforts must be stepped up, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for eligible individuals who have received their initial vaccination (starting 3 or 6 months after the last dose, depending on current recommendations).
Furthermore, for individuals at risk of developing severe forms of influenza and COVID-19, vaccination against the influenza virus is also recommended. Vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 can be administered during the same visit.

The use of preventive measures remains necessary (consistent mask-wearing in the presence of vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor spaces, and handwashing) to protect those at risk of severe illness.

In the context of a major bronchiolitis outbreak, parents of infants and young children, as well as those around them, are also advised to adopt preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus that causes bronchiolitis.

Adherence to the other measures recommended for COVID-19 also remains essential: isolation in the event of a positive test and/or the presence of symptoms.

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, see the regional epidemiological updates. All data is freely available on Géodes.