Nationwide, the incidence rate stood at 193 cases per 100,000 people and exceeded 200 per 100,000 among those aged 6–14 and 20–49. The majority of metropolitan areas also had an incidence rate of 200 per 100,000 or higher. In the overseas territories, the situation remained concerning in Réunion, with a further rise in the incidence rate, which reached 223 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. As of November 23, 75.5% of the total population was fully vaccinated. Among those aged 65 and older, 35.5% had received a booster dose.

In the current epidemic context, vaccination—including booster shots—and strict adherence to preventive measures remain paramount. Maintaining the strategy of testing, isolating at the first sign of symptoms, and contact tracing in the event of a positive test also remains essential to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses and to protect the healthcare system.

Incidence rate up 55%

Nationally, the incidence rate rose sharply in week 46, reaching 193 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (vs. 125 in week 45), a 55% increase. On average, 18,520 cases were diagnosed per day. Sharp increases were observed across all age groups. The incidence rate exceeded the 200 threshold among 6- to 10-year-olds (+111%) and 11- to 14-year-olds (+81%), as well as among 20- to 49-year-olds. Across all age groups, the testing rate was 3,948 per 100,000 (+18%). Two weeks after the start of the school year, the sharpest increases were observed among 6- to 10-year-olds (+101%) and 3- to 5-year-olds (+98%). The test positivity rate reached 4.9% (+1.2 percentage points), rising across all age groups except for 3- to 5-year-olds (+0 percentage points) and 6- to 10-year-olds (+0.2 percentage points), where it remained stable.

In mainland France, the incidence rate rose sharply across all regions. It exceeded 150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in all regions except Brittany (141, +25%) and Normandy (120, +58%). Four regions and 34 departments had rates above 200. In the overseas territories, the situation remains concerning in Réunion, with the incidence rate still rising (+14%). In Martinique, it was increasing for the second consecutive week (+17%). It was decreasing in French Guiana (-34%). Due to the current social unrest in Guadeloupe, the decrease in the incidence rate recorded in week 46 is strongly linked to reduced testing. The epidemiological interpretation of the evolution of COVID-19 in Guadeloupe based on all available indicators is disrupted.

The rise in hospital indicators has accelerated

Nationally, the number of new hospitalizations was on the rise (+20%), as were admissions to intensive care (+16%) (unconsolidated data). A more pronounced increase in new hospitalizations was observed among the elderly. As of November 23, 8,586 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, including 1,468 in critical care. In week 46, 311 deaths were recorded in hospitals (+16% compared to week 45; unconsolidated data for week 46).

In mainland France, rates of new hospitalizations were rising across nearly the entire country. The highest rates were observed in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Corsica. In the overseas territories, hospital indicators were stable in Réunion, and rates of new hospitalizations remained high in Martinique.

Increase in reports from social and medico-social institutions (ESMS)

Stable since Week 41 (October 11–18), the number of weekly reports of one or more biologically confirmed COVID-19 cases in social and medico-social institutions (ESMS) increased starting in Week 44. In weeks 45 and 46*, a total of 110 and 105 reports were recorded, respectively. In weeks 45 and 46*, the number of confirmed cases was on the rise, with 320 and 456 cases recorded, respectively.

After several weeks of decline, the number of deaths has stabilized since week 40, with an average of 11 deaths recorded per week. In weeks 45 and 46*, 8 and 3 deaths in facilities were recorded, respectively.

*Data for week 46 is not yet finalized

Over 75% of the total population fully vaccinated

On November 23, 2021, the estimated vaccination coverage based on Vaccin Covid was 77.1% for at least one dose, 75.5% for full vaccination, and 9.0% for the booster dose. Among those aged 12 and older, 89.6% had received at least one dose and 87.7% were fully vaccinated.

Among those aged 65 and older, vaccination coverage for the booster dose stood at 35.5% (+6.4 percentage points compared to week 45). This indicator corresponds to the ratio of the number of doses administered to the population in this age group; it allows for an assessment of the level of protection in this population. Furthermore, it is estimated that 73.3% (+5.2 percentage points compared to week 45) of people aged 65 and older who were eligible for the booster dose as of November 23, 2021, had actually received it. This allows for tracking the progress of the booster campaign for eligible individuals, taking into account that a waiting period is required before receiving the booster.

As of November 23, 93.9% of residents in nursing homes (residential care facilities for dependent elderly individuals) or long-term care units (USLD) had received at least one dose of the vaccine, 92.5% were fully vaccinated, and 56.2% had received a booster dose.