Key Points

In Week 50, SARS-CoV-2 circulation remained at a high level, with regional variations, and circulation of the Omicron variant intensified.

• Mainland France:

  • Increased incidence rates in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (901/100,000) and Île-de-France (674)

  • Incidence rates stable or decreasing in other regions, but at high levels

  • New hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care are stabilizing at high levels in most regions

• Overseas territories: continued increase in incidence in Réunion

Variants

• Increased circulation of the Omicron variant, with 10.6% of screened tests showing a profile compatible with S50, a proportion reaching 30% at the start of S51

• As of December 23, 1,440 cases of Omicron variant infection confirmed by sequencing in France

Mental health

• Mental health indicators (depressive and anxious states, sleep problems, and suicidal thoughts) remain stable at a high level in the CoviPrev survey (wave 30, November 30–December 7, 2021)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of December 22, 2021 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 76.8% of the total population had received a full primary vaccination series

  • 39.0% of those aged 18 and older had received a booster dose (79.4% of eligible individuals) and 68.1% of those aged 65 and older (86.9% of eligible individuals)

• Importance of combined measures: full vaccination regimen (including a complete primary vaccination series and a booster), participation in contact tracing, and adherence to recommended measures. Adherence to preventive measures, including reducing close contact and frequently ventilating indoor spaces, is essential during this holiday season, given the circulation of the Omicron variant

Learn more

• See our report on the COVID-19 pandemic

• Visit our page on variants

• Visit our page on contact tracing

• View all national epidemiological updates