In week 38 (September 19–25), the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued across nearly the entire mainland territory, with the incidence rate rising for the third consecutive week, although the increase observed was less pronounced compared to week 37 (+22% vs. +57%). This rate stood at 358 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, representing an average of nearly 35,000 new cases per day. It increased
across all age groups, except among those under 10 years of age. Furthermore, the increase was most pronounced among older age groups. Hospital admissions rose for the second consecutive week following data consolidation. Nationally, 2,931 new hospitalizations (a 21% increase) and 277 new admissions to intensive care (a 16% increase) were recorded. The number of deaths also rose (5%). In the overseas territories, the situation continued to improve across all regions.

Omicron remains the almost exclusively circulating variant in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous. In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 91% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S37 survey (September 12). The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continues to circulate, accounting for 8% of interpretable sequences during Flash S37. The BA.2.75 sublineage is detected at very low levels, accounting for 0.6% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S37 survey. The detection of mutations at position L452 by screening tests remains stable at high levels (93% in weeks 38 and 37), consistent with the circulation of BA.4 and BA.5 observed through sequencing. Additional information is available in the variant risk analysis dated September 7, 2022.

Given the current trend of the epidemic, it is essential to step up vaccination efforts, particularly regarding the second booster dose for older adults, among whom vaccination coverage has been insufficient. As of September 26, only 34.8% of those aged 60–79 and 48.3% of those aged 80 and older among eligible individuals (based on the time since their last dose) had received this second dose.

As SARS-CoV-2 transmission continues to rise, adherence to the combined measures remains essential to protect vulnerable individuals: up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, isolation if testing positive for COVID-19 and/or experiencing symptoms, adherence to preventive measures—including the consistent wearing of a mask in the presence of vulnerable individuals or in crowded indoor spaces—and handwashing.

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, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all publicly available data on Géodes.