At the national level, following the introduction of the health pass, there has been a sharp increase in testing rates, which likely explains the slight rise in the incidence rate. Incidence rates remained highest among people aged 10–39. The number of contacts reported by cases continued to decline, suggesting a decrease in the completeness of contact tracing. In France, as of August 17, 2021, 69.5% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 59.3% were fully vaccinated. In this context, vaccination of all eligible individuals must continue to be strongly encouraged and must be combined with a high level of adherence to other preventive measures, particularly compliance with barrier measures, limiting high-risk contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case. The combination of accelerated vaccination and various measures to limit transmission rates can have a significant impact on hospitalization trends.

More than 10,000 hospitalized patients, including nearly 2,000 in critical care

Nationally, the incidence rate was 245 per 100,000 inhabitants, showing a slight increase this week (+3%) with a slightly lower reproduction number (1.04 vs. 1.07 in Week 31). The incidence rate remained highest among those aged 20–29 (489, -3%). The number of symptomatic cases was down compared to Week 31 (72,242 vs. 74,406). The testing rate, including antigen and PCR tests (excluding self-tests), rose sharply (+31%) and reached 7,191 per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest rates were still observed among those aged 20–29 (16,987, +39%) and among those aged 30–39 (13,374, +41%). The positivity rate was slightly lower at 3.4%, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points.

In mainland France, although declining, incidence rates remained highest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (589 per 100,000, -1%), Corsica (510, -19%), and Occitanie (391, -6%). On the rise in all regions, testing rates were highest in Corsica (13,238 per 100,000) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (12,058).

Seekers of medical care for suspected COVID-19 remained stable at SOS Médecins. At the hospital level, indicators continued to rise but at a more moderate pace this week, with 7,521 emergency department visits (+12% vs. +19% in Week 31), 5,207 new hospitalizations (+9% vs. +35% in Week 31), and 1,142 new admissions to critical care units (+5% vs. +46% in Week 31). The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reached 10,280 (+12%) in Week 32, including 1,966 (+14%) in critical care units. COVID-19-related deaths (in hospitals and long-term care facilities) were on the rise (436, +31%).

In the overseas territories, the situation is very critical in Guadeloupe and Martinique, with incidence rates reaching 2,156 per 100,000 (+13%) in Guadeloupe and 1,149 (-3%) in Martinique, where hospital capacity is overwhelmed. A significant excess mortality across all causes and age groups was observed in week 31 in these two territories. The incidence rate remained high and was rising in French Guiana (373, +43%) and was decreasing in Réunion (323, -19%). Although the incidence in Mayotte is lower than in the other overseas territories, its steady rise calls for increased vigilance in this territory, particularly due to the presence of the Delta variant and insufficient vaccination coverage among those aged 12 and older.

• See the epidemiological update - Weekly Focus: Martinique and Guadeloupe: incidence, hospitalizations by age group, deaths, and vaccination coverage

Predominance of the Delta variant in the overseas territories

The L452R mutation (primarily carried by the Delta variant) was detected in 94.7% of positive samples screened in S32 (vs. 93.2% in S31). Sequencing data confirm that the Delta variant has been the predominant variant in mainland France since S26. It accounted for 98.7% of interpretable sequences in Flash Survey #18 on August 3 (vs. 97.4% in Flash #17). In the overseas territories, recent sequencing data are very incomplete; nevertheless, screening data from recent weeks indicate a predominance of Delta in Réunion, Mayotte, French Guiana, and the Antilles. In Guadeloupe, however, currently available sequencing data confirm the predominance of Delta over Alpha since Flash #16.

• Update on variant circulation with Flash Survey #16

• Learn more about the Flash surveys

Nearly 60% of the population fully vaccinated

On August 17, the estimated vaccination coverage in France was 69.5% for at least one dose and 59.3% for full vaccination. Among those aged 12 and older, 46,621,177 had received at least one dose (80.8%) and 39,825,300 (69.1%) were fully vaccinated. Vaccination coverage for at least one dose was 91.5% for residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities (88.0% for full vaccination). Among healthcare workers, vaccination coverage increased: vaccination coverage with at least one dose was 84.0% for professionals in nursing homes or long-term care facilities vs. 81.0% on August 10, 2021 (72.3% for full vaccination vs. 68.2%) and 91.0% for private practice professionals vs. 89.7% (86.0% for full vaccination vs. 84.3%). For healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities, vaccination coverage with at least one dose was estimated at 83.9% on August 17 vs. 81.3% on August 10 (73.8% for full vaccination vs. 70.1%).

Significant decrease in sleep problems

For the first time in over a year, a significant decrease in sleep problems has been observed. The next CoviPrev wave (August 31–September 7) will show whether this trend is sustainable or whether it is more likely linked to the summer holidays. Anxiety levels, meanwhile, have been generally on the decline since late April. However, the mental health of those surveyed remains impaired (CoviPrev survey from July 15 to 21, 2021).

The pandemic and the measures taken to control it have significantly affected the population’s mental health, particularly in terms of anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that if signs of depression (sadness, loss of interest, loss of energy) or anxiety (tension, irritability), it is necessary to seek information and talk about it in order to receive advice on available assistance and solutions. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or call 0 800 130 00 to request a referral for counseling or psychological support.

• Mental Health Update with CoviPrev

• Learn more about the CoviPrev survey