Key Points

In week 42, a slowdown in SARS-CoV-2 transmission was observed, along with an improvement in hospital indicators. The number of deaths continued to rise.

• Mainland France:

  • Decrease in incidence rates across all regions

  • Decrease in incidence observed across all age groups

  • Number of hospitalizations decreasing

  • Number of deaths still rising

• Overseas Territories

  • Incidence rates are rising in Guadeloupe and stable or slightly declining at low levels in other territories

Variants

• Omicron sublineages: BA.5 is ubiquitous, accounting for 91% of sequences in the Flash S41 survey (10/10)

• Among BA.5 sublineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (21% vs. 19% in Flash S40)

Prevention

• Vaccination as of October 24, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):

  • 74.5% of those aged 18 and older, as well as 82.6% of those aged 65 and older, have received at least one booster dose

  • 32.4% of those aged 60–79 (38.4% of those eligible based on the time since their last dose) and 39.2% of those aged 80 and older (51.1% of those eligible) have received their second booster dose

• Given that SARS-CoV-2 remains highly active and with winter approaching, adherence to combined measures remains essential:

  • up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for those eligible who have received their primary series;

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

  • continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask, particularly in the presence of older adults or in crowded indoor spaces (including public transportation) or during large gatherings, as well as handwashing and ventilating enclosed spaces.