Covid-19: What is latest situation in France ahead of Christmas?

Covid rates are stable in France, new figures show, just five weeks before the Christmas period typically sees a spike in infections as families gather in indoor spaces.

Yet, Covid does not look poised to ruin the festivities. Health authority Santé Publique France (SPF) revealed the figures in its latest update on the virus, published on Wednesday, November 13.

“Activity linked to acute respiratory infections was stable overall, both in primary care and in hospitals, for all ages combined,” it said.

Interventions across age groups

In the week from November 6 to 13, the incidence rate of cases of Covid-19 in primary care (e.g. GP surgeries) was estimated at 25 cases per 100,000 population. This represents a slight increase on the previous week, but does not equate to active circulation of the virus, SPF said.

There were 93 cases of Covid recorded among people aged 65 and over, show figures from at-home consultation service SOS Médecins. This represents 1% of all consultations in this age group, compared with 1.6% the week before. 

In the 15-64 age group, the number of medical interventions for suspected Covid was 563, or 1.1%, compared with 1.3% the week before.

There was no significant change among younger people. 

Hospital figures

Similarly, hospital admissions for respiratory infections, including suspected Covid, were either stable, or fell.

Between November 6 and 13, there were 10,088 emergency hospital visits for low-grade acute respiratory infections, representing 3% of all visits for all ages. This compares with 3.2% the week before.

There were 4,233 hospital admissions for the same infections, or 6.3% of all hospital admissions for all ages, compared with 7% the week before.

The number of A&E visits for suspected Covid specifically was 823, down slightly on the previous week.

However, vulnerable people are still dying of Covid-19. The virus was mentioned in 2.5% of the week's 5,941 deaths nationwide.

Rising cases?

Historically, Christmas and winter in general have seen a rise in cases, due to large groups of people gathering together indoors, and because colder weather and enclosed spaces make it easier for the virus to circulate.

Yet, the last time figures showed a rise in cases was in May and June this year, when the then-new FLiRT variant began to spread.

Read also: Covid 19 in France: Latest official figures and symptoms of new variant 
Read also: Why Covid-19 hospital cases are rising again in France 
Read also: Covid and flu vaccination campaign starts today in France - who is invited? 

The most recent flu and Covid vaccination campaigns began in France in mid-October, with vulnerable people (and those who work or spend time with them) invited for free jabs. Anyone can get a vaccination, even if they are not considered to be vulnerable, but they will have to pay.