Since the end of November, an increase in coronavirus cases has been observed in France. The variant at the origin of this resumption, JN1, is not more contagious than the others, but health professionals urge caution.
At the start of December 2023, the Covid-19 indicators are panicking. In its report published Wednesday, December 6, Public Health France highlights an “increase in the share of suspicions of COVID-19 among SOS Médecins acts, observed in most age groups, in particular among those aged 65 and over.” Among those aged 65 and over, SPF also notes an increase in visits to the emergency room for Covid-19 or suspected Covid-19. In laboratories, more than 28,000 new cases of coronavirus were declared within a week, with an incidence rate of 42 per 100,000 inhabitants. “This upward trend in indicators was observed in most age groups, with the incidence and positivity rates being lowest among those under 20,” specifies Public Health France.
The JN1 variant is one of the main causes of the increase in coronavirus cases in France. It is a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant which is a subcategory of the Omicron variant. Asked by franceinfo, virologist Bruno Lina reassures about the nature of this variant. “It does not present transmission or infectiousness characteristics which would make it a virus capable of causing an epidemic wave comparable to the large waves that we have experienced in previous years,” he says. Thus, even if population movements and gatherings will take place during the Christmas holidays, an epidemic, even significant, should not “massively impact the health system”, specified the virologist.
Respecting barrier gestures is recommended
As always, fragile people and those most at risk are the first exposed to this type of variant. The vaccination campaign against Covid-19, which began in October 2023, continues. In its report published Wednesday, December 6, Public Health France reports that vaccination coverage is 23.9% for people aged 65 and over. These vaccination rates differ according to age groups: 17.5% of 65-69 year olds are vaccinated, 22% of 70-74 year olds, 28.4% of 75-79 year olds and 28.7% of 80 year olds and more. “In addition to vaccination against influenza and COVID-19, the systematic adoption of barrier gestures by all is essential, in particular the wearing of a mask in the event of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people”, recalls Public health France.
Asked by BFM TV Thursday December 7, Richard Handschuh, general practitioner and member of the MG-France union, notes that, even when sick, patients no longer have the reflex to wear a mask. “Currently, all these viruses are circulating a lot, but do not cause serious illness,” he reassures. He recommends canceling for New Year’s Eve in case of fever or cough. “All the advice we have given over the last few years remains valid,” he concludes. If hospitals are not overwhelmed, he recommends remaining “very cautious and very suspicious”.