The incidence rate exceeded 50 per 100,000 inhabitants in 58 departments. During the school break, a significant decrease in testing rates was observed among children under 10. Furthermore, contact-tracing indicators show a reduction in social interactions, suggesting that the fall break also had an impact. Finally, a slight increase in the average age of cases and contacts was observed. As of November 2, 76.4% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 74.6% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 65 and older, 19.8% had received a booster dose. Against the backdrop of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination for those who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as the administration of booster doses to eligible individuals aged 65 and older. It also remains necessary to combine vaccination with continued adherence to preventive measures at a high level, given the effectiveness of these measures in containing the epidemic and preserving the healthcare system.

Nearly 6,000 cases diagnosed per day on average

Nationally, the incidence rate continued to rise (+12%) in week 43, with 62 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (vs. 55 in week 42). On average, 5,917 cases were diagnosed per day. The rate was rising across all age groups, except for those aged 80–89 (-1%) and 10–19 (-0.1%), where it stabilized, and those aged 0–9, where it decreased (-16%). The testing rate, including antigen and PCR tests (excluding self-tests), decreased (-11% in week 43) to 2,799 per 100,000 inhabitants. This decline was particularly marked among those aged 0–9 (-71%) and, to a lesser extent, among those aged 10–19 (-9%) due to school holidays. The positivity rate continued to rise, reaching 2.2% in week 43 (+0.4 percentage points). Among symptomatic individuals who were tested, testing rates also decreased (-10%) and the number of confirmed cases increased (+15%), as did the positivity rate (+2.5 percentage points). Trends among symptomatic individuals are similar to those observed in the general population, across all age groups.

• For more information: Weekly Focus - Reimbursement of so-called “convenience” tests: monitoring of indicators

In mainland France, the incidence rate was rising in all regions. It reached 89 per 100,000 inhabitants in Corsica (+60%), 83 in Pays de la Loire (+14%), 77 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (+6%), and 73 in Île-de-France, where the increase was the least pronounced (+3%). In total, 58 departments had an incidence rate above 50 per 100,000 inhabitants. The testing rate decreased across nearly the entire country. It remained highest in Corsica (4,215 per 100,000 inhabitants) and in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (3,948). In the overseas territories, the incidence rate continued to decline in French Guiana (-28%). In Martinique, it fell again (-15%), while it remained stable in Guadeloupe (+5%).

More than 1,000 people still hospitalized in critical care

In week 43, hospitalization data are not yet consolidated due to delays in data entry, particularly related to the November 1 holiday. As of November 2, the number of new hospitalizations was stable (-3%), as was the number in critical care (-5%), but the upcoming consolidation of data should allow for an adjustment of the trend. In week 42 (consolidated data), the changes were +11% and +18%, respectively. As of November 2, 6,741 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, including 1,104 in critical care.

• In mainland France, trends in new hospitalizations showed significant regional variation. The highest rates were in Pays de la Loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

• In the overseas territories, the rate of new hospitalizations remained high in French Guiana and decreased in Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Stabilization in the number of new close contacts and improved identification of transmission chains

In week 43, the number of new cases increased by 11%, but the number of new at-risk contacts stabilized, suggesting a reduction in social interactions due to the All Saints’ Day holidays. Other indicators point to a “school vacation” effect: a decrease in the proportion of cases reporting more than 5 contacts, an increase in the proportion of those reporting none, and lower attendance at sporting and cultural events and, of course, schools.

The proportion of cases previously known as high-risk contacts is increasing, which supports improved identification of transmission chains.

The average age of cases and contacts is increasing slightly. In this context, administering a booster dose to those for whom it is recommended, particularly older individuals, is essential.

Contact tracing remains an important complementary measure to vaccination and preventive measures in the fight against the pandemic.

• For more information: Report on Contact Tracing Activities, Week 43-2021

74.6% of the population fully vaccinated

On November 2, the estimated vaccination coverage across all age groups in France, based on Vaccin Covid data, was 76.4% for at least one dose, 74.6% for full vaccination, and 4.7% for the booster dose. Among those aged 65 and older, vaccination coverage for the booster dose stood at 19.8% (+2.9 percentage points compared to Week 42). Among those aged 12 and older, 88.7% had received at least one dose and 86.7% were fully vaccinated.

As of November 2, 93.8% of residents in nursing homes (EHPADs) or long-term care units (USLDs) had received at least one dose of the vaccine, 92.1% were fully vaccinated, and 51.4% had received a booster dose.

Among private healthcare professionals, vaccination coverage was 96.6% for at least one dose, 96.1% were fully vaccinated, and 14.4% had received a booster dose.

The estimated vaccination coverage among people over 15 years of age identified as living in precarious circumstances was 75.6% for at least one dose of the vaccine, 73.6% for full vaccination, and 5.2% for the booster dose.