Key Points

In Week 52, the slowdown in SARS-CoV-2 transmission intensified nationwide. The incidence rate fell sharply across all age groups amid a significant decline in testing rates, particularly among those under 60. The number of new hospitalizations remained high but was decreasing for the second consecutive week.

• Mainland France:

  • Virological indicators and new hospital admissions down across all regions

  • Slight increase in the positivity rate among those under 20

  • Number of deaths remains high

• Overseas territories:

  • Incidence rate stabilizing in Réunion

Variants

• BA.5 is ubiquitous (93% of sequences in the Flash S50 survey on 12/12); among its sublineages, BQ.1.1 continued to rise (70% vs. 67% in Flash S49)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of January 2, 2023 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 16.3% of those aged 60–79 had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (21.8% of those eligible); these figures were 19.6% and 23.2%, respectively, among those aged 80 and older;

  • 32.7% of those aged 60–79 and 21.0% of those aged 80 and older are considered protected by vaccination.

• Given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses, it is necessary to strengthen adherence to the following combined measures:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, particularly through 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 influenza viruses;

  • 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