Following the suspension by certain private clinical laboratories of the transmission of COVID-19 test results to SI-DEP, the incidence rate and testing rate have been underestimated since October 30; the positivity rate and effective R value have also been affected.

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 are not affected; they ensure continuity in tracking epidemic trends and will continue to inform the reports produced by the Agency.

Trend toward stabilization of the incidence rate based on antigen tests

In week 45 (November 7–14), the incidence rate adjusted for the effect of the public holiday showed a tendency to stabilize, and the positivity rate had decreased slightly (28.7%, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points). Among those under 20, these indicators were on the rise. In the overseas territories, the incidence rate adjusted for antigenic tests was stable or rising across all territories.

Decrease in healthcare utilization among adults and decline in hospital indicators

Seekings of medical care for suspected COVID-19 decreased slightly, with 2,571 visits to SOS Médecins (-6%) and 2,586 emergency room visits (-8%). During the back-to-school period, however, this decrease was driven primarily by adults, as seekings of care were on the rise among children. The decline in hospital indicators continued, with 3,378 new hospitalizations recorded (a 14% decrease compared to a 22% decrease in week 44) and 312 admissions to intensive care (-20%).

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

In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 93% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S43 survey (10/24). Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage continues to increase, but at a slower rate than initially, accounting for 32% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S43 survey (vs. 25% for Flash S42). The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continues to circulate, but at low levels, accounting for 4% of interpretable sequences during Flash S43 (vs. 5% in S41). Additional information is available in the risk analysis dated 10/26/2022.

Vaccination among eligible individuals is strongly recommended

As of November 14, vaccination coverage showed little change, with 41.0% of those aged 60–79 and 53.5% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last dose) having received a second booster.

Given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and with winter approaching, 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.

To protect against winter viruses, practicing preventive measures is essential

To protect yourself and those at risk of severe forms of COVID-19, the use of preventive measures remains necessary, such as consistently wearing a mask in the presence of vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor spaces, and washing hands.

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.