In Week 37 (September 12–18), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 accelerated across mainland France following a first week of more moderate increases. The incidence rate rose sharply. It stood at 293 per 100,000 inhabitants (+57% vs. +12% in Week 36), representing an average of nearly 28,500 new cases per day. This increase was observed across all age groups, and particularly among those aged 10–19. Hospital indicators stabilized in week 37 at the national level, with 2,138 new hospitalizations (a decrease of 2%) and 216 new admissions to intensive care (-4%) recorded. Regional disparities were noted, with an increase in new hospital admissions in certain regions (unconsolidated data), notably in Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, and Normandy. In the overseas territories, the situation continued to improve across all regions, with the exception of Martinique, where virological indicators were on the rise.

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage is currently ubiquitous. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 93% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S36 survey (09/05). The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continues to circulate at stable levels, accounting for 6% of interpretable sequences during Flash S36. The BA.2.75 sublineage is detected at very low levels, accounting for 0.3% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S36 survey. The detection of L452 mutations by screening tests remains stable at high levels (93% in week 37 and week 36), linked to the circulation of BA.5. Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated September 7, 2022.

It is essential to step up vaccination efforts, particularly the administration of the second booster dose among vulnerable individuals for whom vaccination coverage was insufficient. As of September 19, only 34.2% of those aged 60–79 and 47.8% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last dose) had received this second dose.

As SARS-CoV-2 transmission continues to rise, adherence to combined measures remains essential to protect vulnerable individuals: staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, self-isolating if testing positive for COVID-19 and/or experiencing symptoms, practicing preventive measures—including consistently wearing a mask around vulnerable people or in crowded indoor spaces—and washing hands.

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, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all data freely available on Géodes.