Key points

In week 19, all epidemiological indicators continued to improve at the national level, although the spread of SARS-CoV-2 intensified further in Martinique.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Incidence, screening, and positivity rates down in all regions

  • Hospital admission rate down in all regions

• Overseas France:

  • Significant increase in virological indicators, returning to very high levels in Martinique

  • Virological indicators remain stable at a high level in Guadeloupe

  • Improvement in the epidemiological situation on Réunion Island

Variants

• Omicron BA.2 sublineage predominant: 98.7% of interpretable sequences in the Week 18 Flash Survey on May 2, 2022

• Increased presence of the L452R mutation in screening, linked to the rise of certain Omicron sublineages carrying this mutation (notably BA.4, BA.5, and some BA.2)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of May 16, 2022 (Covid Vaccine Data):

  • Vaccination coverage for the booster shot reached 74.1% among adults over 18 years of age (84.0% in the 65+ age group)

  • Only 34.8% of eligible 60-79 year-olds and 25.5% of eligible people aged 80+ had received a second booster shot

• The ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses calls for continued vigilance, particularly to protect the most vulnerable, and for the following precautions:

  • Self-isolation in case of symptoms and a positive COVID-19 test

  • Individual implementation of preventive measures: first and foremost, wearing a mask (in crowded indoor spaces, around people at risk, or at large gatherings), hand washing, and frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces