In week 42 (October 17–23), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 slowed across the country, with an effective reproduction number (R_e) below 1. The incidence rate declined for the first time after five weeks of increases and one week of stabilization (-14% vs. +0% in week 41). It stood at 496 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, representing an average of more than 48,000 new cases per day. Although declining across all age groups and metropolitan regions, this indicator remained high. Hospital indicators also showed improvement, with 5,902 new hospitalizations (-20%), including 489 in intensive care (-20%); the downward trend is to be confirmed next week. Deaths, however, continued to rise (+12%). In the overseas territories, an increase in incidence was observed in Guadeloupe (+52%).

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 91% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S41 survey (10/10) (unconsolidated data based on a small number of sequences). Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage was on the rise, accounting for 2%, 10%, 19%, and 21% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S38, S39, S40, and S41 surveys. However, it is still too early to assess the potential impact of BQ.1.1 on epidemic dynamics. The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continued to circulate, accounting for 7% of interpretable sequences during Flash S41. Additional information is available in the risk analysis published today on our website: Risk Analysis Related to Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants (10/26/2022).

As of October 24, only 38.4% of those aged 60–79 and 51.1% 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 approaching winter season, 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 implementation 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 report and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all data freely available on Géodes.