Early assessment of diffusion and possible expansion of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage 20I/501Y.V1 (B.1.1.7, variant of concern 202012/01) in France, January to March 2021

Published on 4 March 2021 Updated on 24 July 2023

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variant 20I/501Y.V1 (VOC-202012/1 or GR/501Y.V1) is concerning given its increased transmissibility. We reanalysed 11,916 PCR-positive tests (41% of all positive tests) performed on 7-8 January 2021 in France. The prevalence of 20I/501Y.V1 was 3.3% among positive tests nationwide and 6.9% in the Paris region. Analysing the recent rise in the prevalence of 20I/501Y.V1, we estimate that, in the French context, 20I/501Y.V1 is 52-69% more transmissible than the previously circulating lineages, depending on modelling assumptions.

Author(s): Gaymard Alexandre, Bosetti Paolo, Feri Adeline, Destras Gregory, Enouf Vincent, Andronico Alessio, Burrel Sonia, Behillil Sylvie, Sauvage Claire, Bal Antonin, Morfin Florence, Van Der Werf Sylvie, Josset Laurence, Blanquart François, Coignard Bruno, Cauchemez Simon, Lina Bruno

Publishing year: 2021

Pages: 1-6