Key Points

In week 01-2023, SARS-CoV-2 transmission continued to slow down nationwide. The incidence rate continued to decline, though less markedly among those under 20. Hospitalizations and deaths continued to decrease.

• Mainland France:

  • Incidence rates declining across all regions

  • Hospitalization rates declining across all regions

  • Number of deaths decreasing

• Overseas territories:

  • Decrease in incidence rates and rates of new hospitalizations in most territories

Variants

• BA.5 is ubiquitous (93% of sequences in the Flash S52 survey of 12/26); among its sublineages, BQ.1.1 appears to be stabilizing (69% vs. 67% for Flash S51)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of January 9, 2023 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 17.9% of those aged 60–79 had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (22.8% of those eligible); these figures were 21% and 24.6%, respectively, among those aged 80 and older;

  • 30.9% of those aged 60–79 and 21.9% of those aged 80 and older are considered protected by vaccination.

• Given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses, it is essential to maintain adherence to the following combined measures:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for those eligible who have received their primary series, as well as against the flu;

  • isolation in the event of a positive test and/or symptoms;

  • continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask (in the presence of vulnerable individuals, in crowded indoor spaces such as public transportation), handwashing, and ventilating enclosed spaces.

Learn more

• See our report on the COVID-19 pandemic

• Go directly to the graphs and tables of indicators on InfoCovidFrance

• Visit our page on variants

• View all national epidemiological updates