why are the indicators (again) on the rise?

The Covid-19 is making its umpteenth return to the front of the stage. A new wave of the virus even seems to be falling on France, the 9th since the start of the pandemic. The various indicators are on the rise again with an average of 800 new hospital admissions every day and 64 daily deaths. In the space of a week, these two indicators jumped 30 and 20% respectively.

Several factors explain this epidemic rebound after a few days of respite due to the All Saints holidays. First, we can mention the virulence and contagiousness of the BQ.1.1 sub-variant, which is transmitted even more easily than BA.5. According to models from the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention, BQ.1.1 could be responsible for 50% of infections in early December in Europe. It could also be responsible for 80% of cases in January.

Abandonment of barrier gestures

In addition, the French apply less and less the famous barrier gestures, to the great displeasure of Philippe Amouyel, epidemiologist. “It would indeed be possible to crush this wave a little before the Christmas holidays, but on two conditions: to start paying attention again, to put the mask back on transport, for example, and to ventilate the rooms. It is really important. is the best way to eliminate viruses and the risk of contamination”.

The vaccination of the most fragile must also resume, indicates the epidemiologist. Only 10% to 15% of people eligible for a new booster received their dose according to François Braun, the Minister of Health.