Key Points

In Week 37, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 accelerated across the entire mainland, with virological indicators showing a sharp increase.

• Mainland France:

  • Marked increase in the incidence rate across the entire territory

  • Rise in the incidence rate driven primarily by those under 20 and those aged 30–49 (over 50%)

  • Hospital indicators have stabilized at the national level, with regional disparities

• Overseas territories:

  • Incidence rates are declining in most regions except Martinique

Variants

• Omicron sublineages: BA.5 ubiquitous, accounting for 93% of sequences in the Flash S36 survey (09/05)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of September 19, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 74.3% of those aged 18 and older and 82.4% of those aged 65 and older have received their first booster dose

  • 28.7% of those aged 60–79 (34.2% of those eligible based on the time since their last dose) and 36.4% of those aged 80 and older (47.8% of those eligible) have received their second booster dose

• Given the accelerating spread of SARS-CoV-2, adherence to combined measures remains necessary:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, particularly the second booster dose for vulnerable individuals;

  • isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;

  • continued adherence to preventive measures, including mask-wearing—particularly around at-risk individuals or in crowded indoor settings (such as public transportation or large gatherings)—as well as handwashing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.