The suspension by some private clinical laboratories of the transmission of COVID-19 test results to the SI-DEP database, effective October 27, has disrupted the production of virological indicators by Santé publique France.

In week 43 (October 24–30), the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 continued to slow down nationwide. The incidence rate calculated based solely on antigen tests [see box] was decreasing for the second consecutive week across all metropolitan regions. As for hospital indicators, the downward trend was confirmed in week 43 with 418 new hospitalizations recorded (-34%), including 447 (-18%) in intensive care. The number of deaths in hospitals and long-term care facilities also decreased for the first time this week (397, -25%). In the overseas territories, the incidence rate based on antigen tests was decreasing in Martinique and remained stable in Guadeloupe and Réunion, as well as in French Guiana, where case numbers were low.

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) (data not consolidated due to a low number of sequences). Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage continued to increase. However, the rate of increase has stabilized, with 2%, 10%, 16%, 20%, and 31% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S38, S39, S40, S41, and S42 surveys, respectively. The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continued to circulate but at low levels, accounting for 3% of interpretable sequences during Flash S42 (vs. 6% in S41). Additional information is available in the risk analysis related to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants (10/26/2022).

As of October 31, only 39.2% of those aged 60–79 and 52.0% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last dose) had received a second booster. Given the continued high 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 primary series (starting 3 or 6 months after the last dose, depending on current recommendations).

The continued use of preventive measures remains necessary (systematic mask-wearing in the presence of vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor spaces, and handwashing) to protect those at risk of severe illness. Adherence to other recommended measures also remains essential: isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or the presence of symptoms.

For more information on COVID-19, surveillance systems, and vaccination, consult the Santé Publique France dossier and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all data freely available on Géodes.