A less pronounced decline in the incidence rate

Nationwide, 12,514 new cases were confirmed in week 25, averaging approximately 1,800 cases per day. The incidence rate of 19 per 100,000 inhabitants was decreasing (-23%) but less sharply compared to the steep declines of the previous two weeks (approximately -40%). This decrease was observed across all age groups. The testing rate continued to decline (2,460 per 100,000 inhabitants, or -6%). The positivity rate tended to stabilize at 0.8% (a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to Week 24) after nine weeks of decline.

A decline in indicators tracking transmission chains was also observed. This may be explained by reduced testing among at-risk contacts, or by less comprehensive identification of these contacts, and/or by the increase in the number of fully vaccinated individuals.
In the overseas territories, the decline in viral circulation has accelerated in French Guiana despite continued heavy pressure on the hospital system. Incidence rates, hospitalization rates, and intensive care admission rates remain the highest in France. In Réunion, the incidence rate and intensive care admission rates were once again on the rise.

Fewer than 9,000 hospitalized patients

The decline in the number of reported new hospitalizations and admissions to critical care units, observed since Week 15, continued in Week 25 (down 28% and 26%, respectively, compared to Week 24), but this decline was less pronounced than in the previous week. The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients continued to decline as of June 29, with 8,686 patients hospitalized, including 1,263 in critical care units.

Deaths among hospitalized COVID-19 patients continued to decline in week 25 (-29%), and those occurring in social and medico-social institutions (ESMS) remained at a very low level.

The proportion of the Delta variant is rising sharply

The national strategy for systematic RT-PCR screening of SARS-CoV-2 positive tests has evolved since May 31, 2021, and now targets the three mutations of interest: E484K (carried notably by the Beta and Gamma variants), E484Q, and L452R (carried notably by the Delta variant). In week 25, the E484K, E484Q, and L452R mutations were detected in 24.0%, 0.8%, and 20.5% of the positive samples screened for these mutations, respectively.

The increased circulation of the Delta variant in mainland France is reflected in a rise in community transmission events and more sustained circulation of the virus in certain regions. The growing spread of this variant is being monitored with the utmost attention, given its increased transmissibility compared to reference viral strains and the Alpha VOC, a possible increase in the severity of infection, and preliminary data suggesting reduced vaccine efficacy following an incomplete vaccination regimen.

More than 12% of 12- to 17-year-olds have already received a first dose of the vaccine

As of June 29, 2021:

• 33,740,554 people had received at least one dose of the vaccine, representing 50.3% of the population

• 22,303,302 have been fully vaccinated, representing 33.2% of the population

Vaccination has been available to children aged 12 and older since June 15, 2021, and 12.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds have already received a first dose of the vaccine. The pace of vaccination has slowed in recent weeks, particularly among the oldest age groups, highlighting the need to continue public outreach efforts to keep the epidemic under control. Vaccination coverage among residents in nursing homes (Ehpad) or long-term care facilities (USLD) is high: 88.5% for at least one dose and 82.4% for full vaccination. Coverage among private healthcare professionals is also high: 79.7% for the first dose and 73.4% for full vaccination. Vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals working in nursing homes and long-term care facilities was estimated at 59% for the first dose and 46.9% for full vaccination.