Key points

In week 13, the increase in incidence of COVID-19 appeared to be slowing down but remained at a very high level, and the increase in hospital admissions was intensifying.

• Metropolitan France:

  • Rise in incidence rate among adults, decline among the under-20s

  • SARS-CoV-2 circulation remains high in all regions

  • Positivity rate still very high at both national and regional levels

  • Hospital and intensive care admissions increasing

• Overseas France:

  • Incidence rate high and rising in Reunion Island

  • Confirmed improvement of the epidemiological situation in Guadeloupe and Martinique

Variants

• Omicron is almost the unique variant in circulation, with the BA.2 sub-lineage accounting for 92% of sequences on 21/03/2022 (week 12 Flash Survey)

Prevention

• Vaccination on 4 April 2022 (Vaccin Covid data):

  • 73.3% of the 18+ age group and 83.3% of the 65+ age group have been vaccinated with a complete primary series plus a booster shot

  • Only 6.6% of people aged 80+ have received the second booster shot that is recommended for this age group, as well as for nursing-home residents and people who are immunocompromised

• Protection against the SARS-CoV-2 and flu viruses in high circulation:

  • Wearing a mask and self-isolating in the event of symptoms or a positive test for COVID-19 remain important

  • Individual precautions against infection are necessary, including wearing a mask (especially in closed areas, during large gatherings or around vulnerable people), hand washing and frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces