In week 35 (August 29–September 4), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued to slow, though at a less rapid pace than the previous week. The incidence rate was 166 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, representing an average of more than 16,000 new cases per day. Trends varied across the country, with the incidence rate stabilizing in five regions. It remained highest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (192, -10%), followed by Corsica (189, -31%), where the decline was particularly sharp. An increase in this indicator was also observed among children aged 0–9 for the second consecutive week. Meanwhile, hospital admissions continued to decline in most regions. Nationally, 2,076 new hospitalizations were recorded in week 35 (a decrease of 19%) and 210 new admissions to intensive care (-32% vs. -4% in week 34). In the overseas territories, virological indicators remained high in Réunion, although a decline was observed.

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 95% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S33¹ survey (August 16). The proportion of BA.4 (all sublineages included) in Flash surveys is decreasing, with 4% of interpretable sequences in Flash S33 compared to 6% in Flash S32. The detection of L452 mutations by screening tests remains stable at high levels (93% in week 35 vs. 91% in week 34), consistent with the circulation of BA.5. Additional information will be available in the next risk analysis to be published today on our website: Coronavirus: Circulation of SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

It is essential to step up vaccination efforts given that vaccination coverage remains insufficient, particularly for the second booster dose among the elderly. As of September 5, only 33.3% of those aged 60–79 and 46.8% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last injection) had received this second dose.

Given the continued circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and the resumption of social activities that facilitate its transmission, adherence to the combined measures remains essential to protect vulnerable individuals: keeping COVID-19 vaccinations up to date, self-isolating if testing positive for COVID-19 and/or experiencing symptoms, practicing preventive measures—including consistently wearing a mask around vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor spaces—and washing hands.

In addition, Santé publique France has released an update on surveillance data regarding COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers in healthcare facilities.

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