Covid France: epidemic decreasing in February 2024, variant, measures

4 years after the start of the pandemic, Covid is still circulating and still claiming victims. In the worldthe Covid virus does “still approximately 10,000 deaths per month (…) At the end of December, more than 7 million people were reported to the WHO as having died from COVID 19“, explained Dr Maria Van Kerkhove of the WHO on January 12. In Franceif the Covid virus still circulating activelythe figures tend to decrease at the start of February. In its bulletin of January 31, Public health France indicates that all indicators continue to decline. “Positivity rates have decreased in cities and hospitals, as have syndromic indicators in almost all age groups, with stabilization at a low level for children.“. What always worries: the active circulation of new variant JN.1 (sub-variant of Omicron) which has now become the majority in France, representing 86% Covid infections.

Where is the Covid epidemic today?

In February 2024the epidemic remains less severe than what we have previously experienced in France. The Covid indicators (positivity rate, hospitalization rate, etc.) are falling in town and in hospital in all age groups. Virological indicators from tests carried out in medical biology laboratories are also decreasing in all age groups. Note that positive tests in pharmacies are no longer counted.

What variants are circulating at the moment?

The BA.2.86 variant has been replaced as a variant to follow (VOI) by its sublineage JN.1, because it is majority in France and brings the BA.2.86 increase to the global level. The JN.1 variant in mainland France represented around 86% interpretable sequences from the Flash surveys of 01/08/2024 (compared to 84% for that of 01/02/2024). The EG.5 variant, whose circulation continues to decrease, represents respectively 3% interpretable sequences from the Flash surveys of 01/02/2024 and 01/08/2024. These trends show the establishment of a transition between a co-circulation with XBB (with its sub-lineages) towards a dominant circulation of JN.1.

5 anti-Covid measures (still) in force in 2024

► It is recommended (but not obligatory as before) to isolate yourself if you are positive to Covid-19 and wear a mask in public spaces.

► It is recommended to wear a mask if you have symptoms evocative of Covid-19 or if we are a person at risk to develop a serious form of the disease in the event of infection, particularly in enclosed or densely populated places.

► The the elderly or presenting risk factors are called upon to be (re)vaccinate against COVID-19 and the flu, these vaccinations may be concomitant. These populations are eligible for vaccination from 6 months after their last infection or injection of COVID-19 vaccine. This period is reduced to 3 months for people aged 80 and over, residents of nursing homes and USLDs and immunocompromised people. Vaccines adapted to the XBB.1.5 variant are preferentially offered.

► Indoor air quality can be significantly improved by opening windows for at least 5 to 10 minutes per hour in private homes, in offices, collective catering places, etc.

► It is necessary maintain barrier gestures particularly in the event of a positive test and/or symptoms, in order to protect vulnerable people: regular hand washing, ventilation of enclosed spaces, wearing a mask in enclosed spaces conducive to gatherings (public transport for example).

What are the measures for Covid vaccination?

THE vaccinations against flu and Covid-19 are strongly recommended for people at risk of developing a serious form of these diseases:

• All people aged 65 and over;
• People over 6 months old with comorbidities (complicated blood pressure, heart, vascular, liver, kidney, lung problems, diabetes, obesity, cancers, transplant recipients, people with Down syndrome or psychiatric disorders or dementia);
• Immunocompromised people;
• Pregnant women ;
• People living in close proximity to or in regular contact with immunocompromised or vulnerable people, including professionals in the health and medico-social sectors;
• Residents in accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people (EHPAD) and long-term care units (USLD).

The 2 injections (flu and Covid-19) can be performed on the same day, on 2 separate injection sites (the 2 arms for example). If the two vaccines are not administered at the same time, there is no time limit between the two vaccinations.

What are the current measures regarding Covid isolation?

“Infected people are recommended to isolate themselves and of wear a mask if they need to go to a public place” advised the president of Covars Brigitte Autran in August 2023 in Libération. Isolation is no longer compulsory since February 1, 2023 but it is recommended by the health authorities if you test positive for Covid-19.

​​​​​​What are the current measures regarding contact cases?

There is no no more official “contact case” status. Since February 1, 2023, the realization of a screening test on the second day of notification of contact status for asymptomatic contact persons no longer required. On the other hand, symptomatic people continue to have to be tested.

What are the current measures regarding wearing a mask?

THE wearing a mask is no longer compulsory nowhere. But given the resumption of Covid circulation, it remains recommended to wear it:

• if you are positive for Covid-19
• in the event of symptoms suggestive of Covid-19
• for prevention in closed and promiscuous places and public transport (metro, train, bus, plane, etc.);
• in large gatherings, including outdoors, for vulnerable people because of their age or pathologies;
• in the presence of elderly people, immunocompromised people or people suffering from chronic illnesses;
• for vulnerable people (elderly or immunocompromised people, etc.).

What are the Covid measures in hospitals in 2024?

With the end of the state of health emergency in France on July 31, 2022, the health pass is no longer required at the entrance to hospitals. In 2023:

► Wearing a mask may be made compulsory in certain hospitals inside buildings for patients leaving their room in hospitalization, in day hospital, in consultation also for visitors, companions and patient care workers (ex-paramedics).
► Wearing a mask remains compulsory for hospital staff in places where patients are present. (conventional hospitalization, consultation, day hospital, circulation corridors).
Wearing a mask is no longer obligatory in the offices, meeting rooms, transmission rooms, rest rooms, as well as in services and places not open to patients (laboratories, nurseries, etc.)
► Wearing a mask is compulsory, regardless of the location, for hospital staff who present with symptoms suggestive of ENT or respiratory infection.