Key Points

In Week 17, epidemiological indicators declined but remained at high levels, with continued strain on hospitals.

• Incidence rates declined for the third consecutive week across all age groups

• Decrease in new hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care

• COVID-19-related mortality remains high

• Mainland France: Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Hauts-de-France regions most affected

• Overseas territories: increase in incidence rate in Réunion, stabilization in French Guiana and Guadeloupe

Variants

• Proportion of suspected variants of concern (VOCs) identified by screening RT-PCR:

  • suspected cases of the 20I/501Y.V1 variant are the majority in mainland France at 80.8%

  • suspected cases of the 20H/501Y.V2 or 20J/501Y.V3 variants at 5.5%, with variations at the departmental level

• More information on variants

Prevention

• Vaccination:

  • 16,470,369 people have received at least one dose, vaccination coverage at 24.5%

  • 7,306,862 people fully vaccinated, vaccination coverage of 10.9%

• Results of the CoviPrev survey from April 21 to 23, 2021:

  • an upward trend in the adoption of contact-limiting measures

  • Anxiety and depression levels remain high

• Importance of consistently following preventive measures and limiting contact and travel

• If symptoms develop, immediate isolation is required, and a test should be taken as soon as possible