Key Points

In Week 27, the epidemiological situation deteriorated more rapidly amid a sharp increase in attendance at gathering places and a marked rise in the Delta variant, which has become the dominant strain in mainland France.

• Increase in the incidence rate across all age groups, particularly among young adults

• Hospitalizations have stabilized and critical care admissions have decreased at the national level, though increases have been observed in several regions

• Mainland France:

  • Incidence rates exceeding 50 per 100,000 inhabitants in Occitanie, Île-de-France, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

  • Increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in all regions

• Overseas territories: high incidence rates in Martinique, French Guiana, and Réunion

Variants of concern

L452R mutation (primarily carried by the Delta variant): 63% of positive samples screened

Contact tracing

• Decrease in the proportion of new cases previously identified as high-risk contacts, indicating fewer transmission chains are being identified

• Sharp increase in the number of cases reporting having visited a gathering place

Prevention

• Vaccination coverage as of July 13:

  • 54.0% for one dose and 42.5% for full vaccination

  • Approximately 10% of those aged 70–79 and 20% of those aged 80 and older have not yet received a first dose

• Importance of vaccination across the entire eligible population

• Importance of limiting risky contacts, adhering to preventive measures, and utilizing contact tracing to limit the spread of the virus

• If symptoms develop, immediate isolation is required, and a test must be taken as soon as possible

Information:

The Epidemiological Bulletin (EB) has been updated to a new 5-page format. It provides an analysis of the situation and a visual presentation of the key indicators for monitoring the epidemic. The fifth page is dedicated each week to a current topic. This streamlined format continues to provide a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in France.

The updated EP offers a new way to access information. It includes hyperlinks that provide access to all available indicators, either on our website or on Géodes.