On the rise across all regions, the adjusted incidence rate exceeded 100 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 21 departments. During this second week of school break, testing rates were again declining among those under 20 but increased among those aged 50 and older. In the overseas territories, a sharp rise in the adjusted incidence rate was observed for the second consecutive week in Réunion. As of November 9, 76.6% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 75.0% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 65 and older, 24.2% had received a booster dose. Against the backdrop of increased circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination for those who have not yet been vaccinated, as well as the administration of booster doses to those aged 65 and older and other eligible groups. It also remains necessary to combine vaccination with continued adherence to preventive measures at a high level, given the importance of these measures in containing the COVID-19 epidemic (and infections with other winter viruses) and preserving the healthcare system.

More than 7,200 cases diagnosed per day on average

In week 44, at the national level, the adjusted incidence rate reached 90 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (vs. 62 in week 43), representing a 44% increase. On average, 7,283 cases were diagnosed per day. It was rising across all age groups, with rates exceeding 100 per 100,000 among those aged 20–29 (104, +51%), 30–39 (131, +53%), and 40–49 (109, +52%). The adjusted testing rate, including antigen and PCR tests (excluding self-tests), was 2,914 per 100,000 inhabitants across all age groups (+4%). In this second week of school vacation, it decreased again among 0-9-year-olds (797, -13%) and 10-19-year-olds (3,749, -8%). While it remained stable among 20-49-year-olds, an increase was observed among those aged 50 and older. The positivity rate rose again, reaching 3.1% in Week 44 (+0.9 percentage points). It increased among symptomatic individuals (15.3% vs. 11.5% in Week 43) and among asymptomatic individuals (1.6% vs. 1.2%). The proportion of cases with symptoms was increasing (54% vs. 52% in week 43).

In mainland France, the adjusted incidence rate was rising in all regions. It reached 131 per 100,000 inhabitants in Corsica (+46%), 108 in Pays de la Loire (+29%), and 106 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (+36%). In total, 21 departments had an adjusted incidence rate above 100 per 100,000 inhabitants. Corsica and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur continued to have the highest adjusted incidence rates (>4,000 per 100,000 inhabitants). In the overseas territories, the incidence rate continued to decline in French Guiana (157, -8%) and remained stable in Martinique (114, -1%). A sharp increase was observed for the second consecutive week in Réunion, where the adjusted incidence rate reached 119 per 100,000 inhabitants (+97%).

Upward trend in new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care

On November 9, 2021, 6,912 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in France (vs. 6,741 on November 2, or +3%), including 1,153 in critical care units (vs. 1,104 on November 2, +4%). Nationally, hospital indicators by admission date showed 1,691 new hospitalizations in week 44 (+2% compared to week 43, versus +13% between weeks 42 and 43) and 418 new admissions to critical care units (-3% compared to week 43, versus +13% between weeks 42 and 43). These trends will be confirmed next week, as initial data indicate an upward trend for both indicators.

New hospitalizations were rising or stable in most regions. The highest rates were observed this week in Pays de la Loire and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

In the overseas territories, weekly rates of new hospitalizations and new admissions to intensive care remained highest in French Guiana but were declining. In Guadeloupe and Martinique, both indicators were stable. In Réunion, these rates were rising but remained low.

76.6% of the population is fully vaccinated

As of November 9, 76.6% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 75.0% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 12 and older, 51,408,993 had received at least one dose (89.0%), and 50,296,128 (87.0%) were fully vaccinated.

As of November 9, 93.8% of residents in nursing homes (residential care facilities for dependent elderly individuals) or long-term care units (USLD) had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 92.3% were fully vaccinated.

Vaccination coverage with at least one dose was 92.1% for healthcare professionals working in nursing homes or long-term care units (91.1% for full vaccination), 96.7% for private practice healthcare professionals (full vaccination: 96.2%), and 92.2% for healthcare professionals working in healthcare facilities (full vaccination: 91.2%).

The estimated vaccination coverage among people aged 15 and older identified as being in vulnerable situations was 75.9% for at least one dose of the vaccine and 74.0% for full vaccination.