For the first time since 2021, the virological indicators of the surveillance of the COVID-19 epidemic show viral circulation fluctuating at low levels with an almost exclusive circulation of the Omicron variant for a year.
Three years following the start of the epidemic, management measures have been adjusted to take into account the evolution of the health impact of COVID-19. For example, the specific measures for the systematic isolation of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 have thus been lifted and the current recommendations are in line with those that apply for other acute respiratory infections. In line with these developments, and in line with the steps taken in all European countries, monitoring of the COVID-19 epidemic in France is adapting, particularly with regard to our productions and their distribution.
From March 1, the Weekly Epidemiological Update presenting the situation of COVID-19 in France will be published on the same day as the other surveillance bulletins (influenza and bronchiolitis), namely Wednesdays, as opposed to Thursdays currently. The Regional Epidemiological Points will be published from Thursday.
For COVID-19, variant surveillance continues throughout the country.
In addition, the regular publication of updates on the epidemiological situation in specific populations such as children and professionals in healthcare establishments is suspended due to the lack of specificity in these populations. Occasional points may nevertheless be published as soon as the situation requires it.
These developments are ultimately part of a process of standardizing the surveillance of COVID-19 and its gradual integration among the respiratory epidemics monitored routinely. This integrated surveillance strategy for acute respiratory infections offers a global approach to acute respiratory pathologies, the main ones being COVID-19, influenza and bronchiolitis. It will be fully deployed for the start of the 2023-2024 season and will be the subject of specific information prior to its implementation.
