Incidence rates remained highest among those aged 10–39, but the increase this week was more pronounced among those aged 40 and older, reflecting the spread of the outbreak from younger to older age groups. The rise in the number of new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care has accelerated, confirming the impact of this fourth wave on hospitals. Contact tracing data indicate that the identification of contacts and transmission chains has been less effective during this summer period. In France, as of August 3, 2021, 64.5% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 53.8% were fully vaccinated.

Against a backdrop of high viral circulation, widespread transmission of the Delta variant, and summer vacations, vaccination of all eligible individuals—particularly those in contact with vulnerable people—must continue to be strongly encouraged to achieve a sufficient level of herd immunity and prevent further strain on hospitals and excess deaths. This must be combined with high adherence to other preventive measures, particularly the observance of protective measures, limiting high-risk contacts, and self-isolation in the event of symptoms, a confirmed infection, or contact with a confirmed case.

Sharp rise in hospital indicators

Nationally, the incidence rate was 225 per 100,000 inhabitants (+17%) and remained highest among those aged 10–39. It was rising in all age groups, except among those aged 20–29 (-6%). The increase in the incidence rate was more pronounced among those aged 40 and older. The testing rate (+17%) was rising across all age groups. The positivity rate remained stable at 4.1%.

In mainland France, the incidence rate continued to rise in all regions, with the exception of Île-de-France and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, where it stabilized. Incidence rates were highest in Corsica (659/100,000, +31%), Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (573, +38%), and Occitanie (422, +14%).

In the overseas territories, the highest incidence rate was observed in Martinique (1,085 per 100,000, +7%) and was rising sharply in Guadeloupe (854, +160%). The incidence rate remained high in Réunion (394, +22%) and French Guiana (208, -15%).

At the hospital level, the increase in indicators accelerated, with 3,531 new hospitalizations in Week 30 (+92% vs. +51% in Week 29) and 746 new admissions to intensive care (+98% vs. +81% in Week 29). The number of COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized was 8,033, including 1,344 in critical care units. The number of COVID-19-related deaths increased for the second consecutive week (272, +93%). Hospitalization rates by admission date were rising in most regions and were highest in Corsica, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Occitanie. In the overseas territories, hospitalization rates by admission date were highest and rising in Martinique and Guadeloupe.

The Delta variant accounts for more than 93% of sequences in mainland France

The L452R mutation (carried notably by the Delta variant), whose increase appears to be stabilizing, was detected in 91.7% of positive samples screened in S30 (89.0% in S29). Sequencing data confirm that the Delta variant has been the predominant variant in mainland France since S26. It accounted for 93.8% of interpretable sequences in the Flash #16 survey of July 20 in mainland France (vs. 87.4% for Flash #15 on July 13). In the overseas territories, overall sequencing data (including Flash surveys) showed a sharp increase in Delta in Réunion, with a lower prevalence of Beta, while Gamma remained the dominant variant in French Guiana. In the Antilles, Alpha was still dominant, although the circulation of the Delta variant was increasing in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

• See the update on variant circulation with Flash Survey #14

75% of those aged 12 and older have received a first dose of the vaccine

On August 3, the estimated vaccination coverage in France was 64.5% for at least one dose and 53.8% for full vaccination.

Among those aged 12 and older, 43,251,121 had received at least one dose (75.0%) and 36,072,674 (62.5%) were fully vaccinated. Vaccination coverage for at least one dose was 90.4% for residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities (86.0% for full vaccination), 76.8% for healthcare professionals working in nursing homes or long-term care facilities (64.7% for full vaccination), and 88.1% for private practice professionals (82.7% for full vaccination).

Sources: Covid Vaccine Data, CNAM, Santé publique
France Analysis