COVID-19: Epidemiological Update for November 10, 2022

Published on 10 November 2022

Key Points

In week 44, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 continued to slow, although there was an upward trend in the positivity rate from antigen tests. New hospitalizations and the number of deaths continued to decline.

Mainland France:
- Adjusted incidence rates from antigen tests (TAG) continued to decline, though at a less pronounced rate than the previous week
- Increase in the positivity rate from AGT among those under 50
- Decrease in new hospitalizations and the number of deaths
Overseas territories:
- Adjusted incidence rates from TAGs are rising to low levels in most territories

Variants

Omicron sublineages: BA.5 ubiquitous, accounting for 92% of sequences in the Flash S42 survey (10/17)*
Among BA.5 sublineages, BQ.1.1 continues to rise (28% vs. 20% in Flash S41)

Prevention

Vaccination as of November 7, 2022 (Covid Vaccine data):
- 74.5% of those aged 18 and older, as well as 82.6% of those aged 65 and older, had received at least one booster dose
- 33.9% of those aged 60–79 (39.9% of those eligible based on the time since their last dose) and 40.4% of those aged 80 and older (52.6% of those eligible) had received their second booster dose
Given that SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate and as winter approaches, adherence to combined measures remains essential:
- up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2) for those eligible who have received their primary series;
- isolation in the event of a positive COVID-19 test and/or symptoms;
- continued adherence to preventive measures: wearing a mask, particularly in the presence of people at risk of complications or in crowded indoor spaces (public transportation, etc.) or during large gatherings, handwashing, and ventilating enclosed spaces.

*S43 data not interpretable.