Summary

Nationwide, since Week 11 (March 12–18), there has been a decrease in the number of deaths across all age groups, following a sharp increase between Weeks 6 and 10 (February 5–March 4). However, from Week 11 to Week 13 (March 12–April 1), the number of deaths remained significantly higher than expected. People aged 65 and older are the most affected by this excess mortality (Figure 2). In Week 14 (April 2–8), the number of deaths appears to be returning to expected levels.

At the regional level, mortality across all age groups has gradually decreased since week 11. Numbers remained significantly higher than expected in the northeastern quarter of France during week 12.

These initial observations should be interpreted with caution, as the data are not yet consolidated due to the usual delays in reporting.

From December 4, 2017, to March 25, 2018 (i.e., weeks 49–2017 to 12–2018, a period with nearly consolidated figures), an excess mortality of 9.4% across all age groups was estimated, representing approximately 17,800 additional deaths (estimate extrapolated to the whole of France). When analyzed by age group, the excess is 8.7% among those aged 15–64 and 9% among those aged 65 and older.

At the European level, among countries participating in the EuroMomo network (www.euromomo.eu), all-age mortality is decreasing but remains near the threshold of statistical significance among people aged 65 and older.

According to data from electronic certification, 1,740 deaths were recorded during week 15 (April 9–15).