In Week 19 (May 10–16, 2021), all epidemiological indicators continued to decline despite significant viral circulation in mainland France. The impact of this decline, observed over the past four weeks, on hospital pressure remains moderate. The number of people currently hospitalized and in critical care units remains high. Vaccination coverage continues to increase, with 14.7% of the population fully vaccinated as of May 18, 2021.

As collective restrictions are gradually lifted, it is essential that everyone maintain a high level of adherence to individual prevention measures, testing, and the isolation of cases and at-risk contacts. During this period of declining viral circulation, accelerated vaccination, and the lifting of restrictions, contact tracing is more essential than ever to controlling the epidemic. Finally, it is important to encourage priority groups who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated.

A continuing downward trend

Nationwide, 87,957 new cases were confirmed in week 19, averaging nearly 12,600 cases per day. After accounting for the effect of public holidays (Saturday, May 8, and Thursday, May 13), the adjusted incidence rate for Week 19 was down by 12% (154 per 100,000 inhabitants in Week 19 vs. 174 in Week 18). The testing rate (3,759 per 100,000 inhabitants) increased in week 19 (+6%). The positivity rate was 4.1%, down 0.8 percentage points compared to week 18 (4.9%). The decrease in the incidence rate was observed across all age groups. The trend is more mixed in the overseas territories, particularly in French Guiana, where indicators were rising sharply, with an incidence rate of 445 per 100,000 inhabitants (vs. 315 in Week 18) and a positivity rate of 10.9% (vs. 9.7% in Week 18).

A sharp decline in hospitalizations but moderate impact on the hospital system

The decline in the number of reported new hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients and the number of new admissions to critical care units, which began in Week 16, has accelerated over the past two weeks. This decline was 31% and 33%, respectively, in Week 19 compared to Week 18. The impact of this reduction in new admissions on the number of people currently hospitalized is more moderate: with 22,118 people hospitalized on May 18 (vs. 25,088 on May 11, a decrease of 12%), including 4,030 patients in critical care (vs. 4,758, a decrease of 15%), the pressure on the hospital care system remains very high.

The #Flash 8 survey confirms the predominance of the 20I/501Y.V1 (UK) variant

The results of the #Flash 8 survey dated April 27, 2021, confirm the predominance of the variant of concern 20I/501Y.V1, which accounted for more than 80% of interpretable results across all age groups.

In France, as of May 18, 38 clusters involving at least one case of the variant of concern from the B.1.617 lineage, first detected in India, have been reported. Outbreaks have been identified in 9 different regions (7 in mainland France, Guadeloupe, and Réunion). To date, no evidence of significant community spread has been reported in France. The situation continues to be closely monitored.

• Learn more about #Flash investigations

Vaccination is gaining momentum

In one week (May 12–18, 2021), nearly 2.6 million people received their first vaccine dose, an average of 369,000 people per day. During this week, 3.46 million doses were administered (as first or second doses), an average of 494,000 doses per day.

As of May 18, 2021:

• 21,133,653 people who had received at least one dose of the vaccine and 9,866,934 who had completed the full vaccination series, representing 31.5% and 14.7% of the population, respectively.

• The estimated vaccination coverage among the adult population (aged 18 and older) was 40.1% for at least one dose and 18.7% for full vaccination.

  • For people aged 75–79, vaccination coverage for at least one dose is 84.1% (fully vaccinated: 67.7%)

  • 74.3% for those aged 80 and older (fully vaccinated: 60.3%).

Adherence to individual preventive measures and the rapid progress of vaccination remain essential as restrictions are eased, to continue reducing the number of severe cases of COVID-19 and new infections. In addition, anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible. Finally, it is important to encourage vaccination among priority groups who have not yet been vaccinated. The use of digital tools (TousAntiCovid) is recommended to strengthen contact tracing and rapid isolation measures.