According to the latest Public Health France bulletin, Covid-19 contaminations are on the rise a few weeks before the start of winter. On the other hand, the hospitalization rate remains at a low level.
- Covid-19 contaminations are increasing in France.
- The easternmost regions are the most affected.
- But hospitalizations remain at low rates.
Temperatures are dropping, winter is approaching and viruses are circulating more and more. According to the latest Public Health France bulletin, published on November 22, Covid-19 contaminations are on the rise in the country. “Concerning Covid-19, syndromic indicators in the city showed an upward trend in the share of this pathology among SOS Médecins procedures, particularly among 15-64 year olds and 65 year olds and over.indicates the document.
[#COVID19 #Grippe #Bronchiolite]
➡️ Bronchiolitis activity slightly increasing in community medicine and hospitals.
???? To view the bulletin https://t.co/nLlfZvAF5W pic.twitter.com/5z9aNTY5vH— SantépubliqueFrance (@SantePubliqueFr) November 23, 2023
An increase in Covid-19 contamination in all age groups
For this bulletin dedicated to acute respiratory infections, Santé Publique France analyzed data from week 46, i.e. from November 13 to 19, 2023.The positivity rate of tests carried out in outpatient medicine and in hospital was increasing (25.4%, +8.7 points and 15.3%, +1.8 points, respectively), the document states. An increase in virological indicators from tests carried out in medical biology laboratories was observed in most age groups.” Data from SOS Médecins, however, shows that the increase particularly concerns 15 – 64 year olds and people over 65.
Covid-19 cases on the rise, but few hospitalizations
On the other hand, visits to emergency departments for suspected Covid-19 remain stable. Santé Publique France lists 2,851 this week. “The number of hospitalizations following suspected COVID-19 was 1,228, or 1.8% of all hospitalizations (vs. 1.7% in W45).”, notes the organization. 26 visits to intensive care after hospitalization for Covid-19 were recorded.
Covid-19: which regions are most affected by the increase in contamination?
All French regions are affected by the increase in Covid-19 contamination but in unequal proportions. Overall, the eastern part of France is more affected. According to the various data collected by the organization, the Grand Est region recorded the greatest increase. Bas-Rhin is the most affected department: the incidence rate is the highest in the country, with 111 cases per 110,000 inhabitants. In Hauts-de-France, this rate increased slightly over the same period, with a test positivity rate of 19.6%. In Ile-de-France, the number of positive cases recorded is increasing, but in much lower proportions: the test positivity rate increases from 12 to 12.4% between week 45 and week 46. Santé Publique France notes that “the number of visits to the emergency room linked to Covid-19 was decreasing compared to previous weeks” in this region.
Barrier gestures, mask: the importance of protecting yourself with the arrival of winter
A few weeks before winter and the end-of-year holidays, the public health organization is calling for caution. “In this epidemiological context, it is necessary to be particularly vigilant and apply barrier measures, warns Public Health France. In addition, it is important that elderly people or people with risk factors get vaccinated against Covid-19 and influenza, as these vaccinations can be concomitant.“For the moment, more than 2.8 million people over 65 have received a dose of vaccine against Covid-19. As for barrier gestures, Santé Publique France has noted a “insufficient general support”even in the event of a risky situation, in a investigation published in early November. As a reminder, it is recommended to wear a mask in the event of symptom(s) (cold, fever, cough or sore throat) in busy places and/or in the presence of people at risk, to wash your hands regularly, ventilate your home and sneeze into your elbow.
