Due to a technical issue that occurred prior to processing by Santé publique France, the COVID-19 vaccination indicators will not be updated this week.

Stabilization of the incidence rate and slight increase in the positivity rate

In week 09 (February 27–March 5, 2023), virological indicators fluctuated at low levels. A stabilization of the incidence rate (38 per 100,000 inhabitants, -2%) and a slight increase in the positivity rate (7.4%, +0.4 percentage points) were observed at the national level, against the backdrop of a decrease in the testing rate¹. The incidence rate was stable in most age groups. A slight increase in this indicator was observed among those under 20, while it decreased among those aged 60–79. The positivity rate increased in most age groups, except among those aged 60–79, for whom it decreased slightly. A more marked increase was observed among those under 20, with levels remaining moderate. The testing rate continued to decline across all age groups, most notably among those under 20.

New hospitalizations continue to decline

In week 09, new hospitalizations were down (1,422, -17%, unconsolidated data). Seeking medical care for suspected COVID-19 was up in emergency rooms (1,081, +8%) and down at SOS Médecins (635, -9%).

Variants: The BA.5 sublineage continues to decline

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 Omicron. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) remained the most frequently detected Omicron sublineage, but continued to decline, accounting for 48% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S07 survey of February 13, 2023 (vs. 56% for Flash S06). Among the BA.5 sublineages, the detection of BQ.1.1 (including its sublineages) also decreased, accounting for 40% of interpretable sequences in Flash S07-2023 (vs. 43% for Flash S06). At the same time, there was an increase in the XBB recombinant from 34% in Flash S06 to 41% in Flash S07-2023, particularly its XBB.1.5 sublineage (from 26% in Flash S06 to 32% in Flash S07-2023). More information is available in the risk analysis related to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants dated February 15, 2023

Maintaining the combined measures remains recommended

Given the continued circulation of several respiratory viruses, strengthening COVID-19 vaccination—particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals who have received their primary series (starting 3 or 6 months after the last dose, according to current recommendations)—remains necessary. Adherence to preventive measures and other recommended precautions remains recommended, 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, consult the Santé Publique France report and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological updates. Find all data freely available on Géodes.