Key points

In week 21, the epidemic situation continued to improve, with virological and hospital indicators decreasing nationwide. However, circulation of Sars-CoV-2 dropped less sharply than in previous weeks.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Less pronounced drop in the incidence rates with a stabilising trend in some regions

  • Drop in new hospital admissions in all regions

• Overseas France:

  • Virological indicators very high and rising in Martinique

Variants

• Omicron BA.2 sub-lineage dominant: 94% of interpretable sequences in the week 20 Flash Survey (16 May)

• Increased presence of the mutation in L452 position in screening (12% in week 21), in connection with the increase in certain Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.4 and BA.5

• Detection of BA.4 and BA.5 increased in the latest Flash surveys

Prevention

• Vaccination on 30 May 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • Vaccination coverage for the booster shot reached 74.3% among adults over 18 years of age and 84.2% in the 65+ age group.

  • Only 32.4% of 60–79-year-olds and 27.5% of those aged 80 and over eligible for the second booster shot have actually received it.

• The still active circulation of SARS-CoV-2 means that combined measures must be maintained, especially to protect the most vulnerable populations;

  • It remains important to self-isolate in the event of symptoms or a positive test for COVID-19

  • It is crucial to continue to apply individual precautions against infection, including wearing a mask (especially in closed areas, at large gatherings or around vulnerable people), hand washing and frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces