In French Guiana, the decline in the incidence rate and new hospitalizations has continued. The latest CoviPrev survey (September 28–October 5) confirms an increase in depressive symptoms and, above all, anxiety symptoms as well as sleep problems since the start of the school year, with levels remaining higher than those observed outside of the pandemic. As of October 19, 75.9% of the population had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 73.9% were fully vaccinated. Among those aged 65 and older, 13.7% had received a booster dose. Against the backdrop of a renewed increase in the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and winter viruses, particularly among the elderly, it is essential to encourage vaccination for all individuals eligible for a booster shot and to maintain high adherence to preventive measures, given the effectiveness of these measures in containing the pandemic and preserving the healthcare system.

After 8 weeks of decline, the SARS-CoV-2 incidence rate is rising again

Nationally, after 8 consecutive weeks of decline, the incidence rate increased by 10% in week 41, with 48 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants (vs. 44 in week 40). On average, 4,620 cases were diagnosed per day. The incidence rate was rising or stable across all age groups. The sharpest increases were observed among the oldest age groups: 80–89 years (+33%), 70–79 years (+33%), and 60–69 years (+30%). The incidence rate remained highest among those aged 30–39 (67, +5%) and 20–29 (60, +4%). The testing rate, including antigen and PCR tests (excluding self-tests), remained high (3,974 per 100,000 inhabitants, -7%), stable or decreasing across all age groups. The positivity rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 1.2%.

In mainland France, the incidence rate increased to varying degrees across all regions, ranging from +2% in Corsica to +30% in Normandy and +32% in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It remained highest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (72, +6%) and Île-de-France (71, +11%). The testing rate was declining in all regions. In the overseas territories, the incidence rate continued to decline in French Guiana (-28%). In Martinique, the incidence rate decreased (-17%) after an increase in week 40. The decline continued in Guadeloupe (-26%).

Since Friday, October 15, 2021 (end of week 41), SARS-CoV-2 screening tests are no longer automatically reimbursed by the National Health Insurance. To monitor the evolution of the epidemic during this transition phase, three epidemiological indicators are receiving particular attention, in addition to those usually highlighted in the epidemiological update: these are the positivity rate, the number of cases, and the number of people tested among those with symptoms. It should be noted that individuals undergoing so-called “convenience” tests (often asymptomatic individuals) have very low positivity rates. Consequently, the impact on the number of confirmed cases is expected to be limited. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that while the value of the indicator is significant, it is primarily its trend that allows for analysis of the epidemic’s dynamics. Since the reimbursement cut took effect on Friday, October 15, the indicators for week 41 are largely unaffected by this change.

The situation in hospitals remains stable

At the hospital level, indicators have stabilized, with 1,143 new hospitalizations (-2%) and 281 new admissions to intensive care (-4%). As of October 19, 6,544 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, including 1,059 in intensive care.

In mainland France, rates of new hospitalizations and critical care admissions remained stable or were decreasing in most regions. In the overseas territories, the rate of new hospitalizations remained high, although it was decreasing in French Guiana. The number of deaths appears to have decreased in week 40 but remains elevated. While continuing to decline in Martinique, the rate of new hospitalizations has stabilized in Guadeloupe.

13.7% of those aged 65 and older have received a booster dose

On October 19, the estimated vaccination coverage in France based on Vaccin Covid was 75.9% for at least one dose, 73.9% for full vaccination, and 3.2% for the booster dose. Among those aged 65 and older, vaccination coverage for the booster dose stood at 13.7%.

As of October 19, 93.7% of residents in nursing homes (EHPADs) or long-term care units (USLDs) had received at least one dose of the vaccine, 91.9% were fully vaccinated, and 47.6% had received a booster dose. Among private healthcare professionals, vaccination coverage is very high: 96.4% had received at least one dose, 95.7% were fully vaccinated, and 8.6% had received a booster dose.

For the first time, vaccination coverage among people aged 18 and older living in precarious circumstances has been estimated. It is lower than in the general population: 74.9% for at least one dose (vs. 81.6%) and 72.7% for full vaccination (vs. 79.6%). The difference in vaccination coverage compared to the general population is also more pronounced among young people: -26.7 percentage points among 18- to 24-year-olds and -19.9 percentage points among 25- to 29-year-olds.

• For more information, see Le Point Sur: What is the COVID-19 vaccination coverage among people in precarious situations?

The mental health of the French continues to deteriorate

Results from Wave 28 of the CoviPrev survey (September 28–October 5) indicate that the mental health of the French population has continued to deteriorate since the start of the school year, with an increase in reported depressive symptoms (16%, +3 points), anxiety (26%, +7 points), and sleep problems (70%, +11 points) compared to July 2021.

• To learn more:

  • See Le Point Sur: How is the mental health of the French population evolving during the Covid-19 pandemic? Results of Wave 28

  • Visit our page on the CoviPrev survey