In week 40 (October 3–9), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued to increase across mainland France. The incidence rate exceeded 500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (+22%) nationwide, representing an average of more than 55,000 new cases per day. This increase was still more pronounced among older age groups. After two weeks of decline, this indicator stabilized among those aged 0–9, and a decrease was again observed among those aged 10–19. Increases in new hospital admissions and the number of deaths continued, with 5,834 new hospital admissions (+13%), including 448 in intensive care (+1%), and 279 deaths (+14%). The number of new confirmed cases was also rising in social and medical-social facilities (+35%). In the overseas territories, the situation continued to improve across all regions.

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 89% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S39 survey (September 26). The BA.4 sublineage (all sublineages included) continued to circulate, accounting for 9% of interpretable sequences during Flash S39. The BA.2.75 sublineage was detected at very low levels, accounting for 1% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S39 survey. The detection of L452 mutations by screening tests remained stable at high levels (94% in week 40 and 93% in week 39), consistent with the circulation of BA.4 and BA.5 observed through sequencing. Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated October 5, 2022.

As of October 11, only 35.9% of those aged 60–79 and 49.3% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last dose) had received a second booster. Given the epidemic dynamics and the reduced adherence to preventive measures, vaccination efforts must be stepped up, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for eligible first-time vaccine recipients as part of the fall campaign.

It is essential to reiterate the importance of preventive measures (consistent mask-wearing in the presence of vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor settings, and handwashing) to protect vulnerable people. Adherence to other recommended measures also remains critical: self-isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms.

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, see the regional epidemiological updates. All data is freely available on Géodes.