The outbreak stabilized at a low level nationwide

In week 04 (January 23–29, 2023), the incidence rate was 46 per 100,000 inhabitants (-2%). The incidence rate continued to decline among children under 10, with testing rates remaining stable in this age group. Incidence and testing rates increased slightly among those aged 10–19 and stabilized among those aged 20–69. These indicators continued to decline among those aged 70 and older. The positivity rate was stable across all age groups (6.5%), except among those under 10, where it decreased.

New hospitalizations and deaths continue to decline

In week 04, the number of new hospitalizations continued to decline (1,322, -26%), as did new admissions to intensive care (144, -36%) and deaths (192, -43%) (unconsolidated data). Indicators of healthcare utilization for suspected COVID-19 through SOS Médecins stabilized (553, -1%), and the number of emergency room visits decreased (708, -8%).

Variants: BA.5 sublineage remains dominant

Since the emergence of Omicron in late 2021, significant and rapid genetic diversification has been observed within this variant and its successive sublineages. However, all Omicron sublineages described to date retain very similar characteristics and are therefore all included within it. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) remained the dominant variant and accounted for 78% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S03-2023 survey. Among these sublineages, the detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage (including its sublineages) appears to be decreasing in the Flash S03-2023 survey, with 60% of interpretable sequences compared to 73% in Flash S02. However, this downward trend remains to be confirmed, as the Flash S03 survey has not yet been consolidated. Alongside BA.5 and its sublineages, an increase was observed in the circulation of BA.2 sublineages (12% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S03 survey vs. 7% for Flash S02-2023) and the XBB recombinant (including its sublineages, 10% of interpretable sequences for Flash S03 vs. 3% for S02-2023), although the results of Flash S03 should still be interpreted with caution. More information is available in the risk analysis dated January 11, 2023.

Booster vaccination remains necessary

As of January 31, 2023, only 21.2% of those aged 60–79 and 23.9% of those aged 80 and older had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (26.1% and 27.6% respectively among those eligible)¹. Furthermore, 28.1% of those aged 60–79 had received a dose within the past 6 months² and 20.6% of those aged 80 and older had received a dose within the past 3 months³. Against this backdrop of slow progress, COVID-19 vaccination—particularly a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals who have received their initial vaccination (starting 3 or 6 months after the last dose, depending on current recommendations)—remains necessary.

As SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses are circulating simultaneously across the country, it is strongly recommended that individuals at risk of developing severe influenza get vaccinated against seasonal influenza (campaign extended through February 28, 2023). Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered on the same day.

Adherence to preventive measures and other recommended precautions remains advised, particularly in the event of symptoms or a positive test result, as well as to protect vulnerable individuals.

For more information on COVID-19, surveillance systems, and vaccination, visit the Santé Publique France resource page and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological updates. Find all publicly available data on Géodes.