The incidence rate was rising across all age groups, with a particularly sharp increase among those aged 10–39 (+74%), and in all regions, most notably in Corsica, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The Delta variant, detected in 55% of confirmed cases sequenced in Flash Survey #13, is now the dominant strain in mainland France. Furthermore, as of July 13, 2021, 54% of the population had received one dose of the vaccine and 42% were fully vaccinated. In this context and during the summer season, which encourages travel and increased visits to high-risk settings, it is essential to encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated. Adherence to prevention and testing measures, contact tracing, and self-isolation at the first signs of infection or after contact with a confirmed case must remain at a high level.

Rapid rise in incidence rate, less pronounced declines in hospitalizations, and Delta variant dominant

In week 27, the increase in the incidence rate affected all age groups and all metropolitan regions. The highest rates and sharpest increases were observed among those aged 20–29 (115/100,000, +77%), 10–19 (63, +78%), and 30–39 (57, +67%). The testing rate was increasing among those aged 10–59 (+25%), decreasing among those aged 0–9 (-32%), and stable among those aged 60 and older.

Three regions had an incidence rate above 50 per 100,000 inhabitants: Occitanie (59), Île-de-France (55), and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (51), and the sharpest increases were observed in Corsica, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. In the overseas territories, a sharp increase in the incidence rate was again recorded in Martinique (278 per 100,000, +143%), where hospital indicators were also on the rise.

The decline in reported new hospitalizations (-2%) and admissions to critical care units (-11%) was less pronounced this week, with a stabilization among those under 65. The number of COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized as of July 13 was 7,135 (-7%), including 946 in critical care units (-9%).

The Delta variant has become the dominant strain in mainland France. The L452R mutation (carried primarily by the Delta variant) was found in 63% of screened positive samples (43% in S26), and this variant accounted for 55% of interpretable sequenced viruses in Flash Survey #13 dated June 29.

Increase in contacts and visits to high-risk locations: vaccination is essential.

Contact tracing showed a 57% increase in contacts and a 52% increase in cases recorded in ContactCovid. Visits to high-risk venues rose sharply (bars +209%, restaurants +120%, cultural events +100%, tourist accommodations +175%, sports facilities +33%). The percentage of cases previously identified as contacts decreased (17.9% vs. 19.8% in Week 26) against a backdrop of stable international travel (10%).

As of July 13, 2021, 54.0% of the population in France had received at least one dose of the vaccine, and 42.5% were fully vaccinated. In total, 21.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds and 53.6% of 18- to 49-year-olds had received at least one dose. Approximately 10% of those aged 70–79 and 20% of those aged 80 and older had not yet received a first dose, with limited progress in vaccination coverage among these populations over the past several weeks.