Key points

In week 35, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 decreased further at national level, albeit with variations between regions and age groups. Hospital indicators also continued to decrease nationally.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Rise in incidence rate among 0-9 year-olds and a trend towards stabilisation in the 30-49 age group

  • Stabilisation of incidence rate in certain regions

  • Hospital admission rates continue to fall in most regions

• Overseas France:

  • High but decreasing incidence rate in Reunion Island

Variants

• Omicron sub-lineages: BA.5 omnipresent, accounting for 95% of sequences in the week 33 Flash Survey (16 August)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 5 September 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • Vaccination coverage for the booster dose stable at 74.3% in the population aged 18+ and 82.3% in the 65+ age group

  • Second booster dose: 27.6% of 60-79 year-olds (representing 33.3% of those eligible given the date of their last injection) and 35.5% of people aged 80+ (46.8% of those eligible)

• In the context of the return to school, work and other activities conducive to transmission of the virus, it is essential to uphold the combined protective measures:

  • staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including the second booster dose for those at risk;

  • self-isolation in case of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or symptoms;

  • application of precautionary measures, including wearing a mask systematically around vulnerable people and in enclosed areas favourable to transmission (especially public transport and large gatherings), as well as frequent hand washing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.