Covid-19: 9 cases of the Omicron variant detected in France in 5 regions

The number is growing fast.

According to the latest report, news this Friday morning, from the Ministry of Health, France already has nine cases of infection with the Omicron variant.

"At this stage, nine cases have been detected in France in the following territories: Reunion, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Ile-de-France, Pays de la Loire and Grand Est region" , said the Directorate General of Health in a statement.

"As soon as the results of the RT-PCR tests of the patients were known, and even before the results of the sequencing were obtained, the patients isolated themselves at their homes and the measures for identifying and isolating contact persons at risk have been implemented, ”continues the DGS.

Read alsoVariant Omicron: several proven cases in France, and now, what does that change?

The very first French case was detected in Reunion on Tuesday.

Then, the first three cases detected in metropolitan France were announced on Thursday, in Ile-de-France, in Haut-Rhin and Vendée, each time among travelers returning from Africa.

Present in around thirty countries

Omicron was first spotted in November in Botswana and South Africa, which made the announcement on November 25.

At this stage, it is present in around thirty countries on all continents.

The new variant has sent a wave of panic blowing across the world, but it's too early to say what impact it will have on the pandemic, experts agree.

On paper, the unprecedented number of mutations it contains leads to fears that it is more transmissible and more resistant to vaccines.

But this remains to be confirmed and it is not known whether he is able to replace Delta, currently responsible for a fifth wave of the epidemic in France, which is reflected in a clear deterioration of the indicators.

Read also Omicron variant: what we know about positive cases detected in Île-de-France, Haut-Rhin and Vendée

This Thursday, 48,416 new cases were identified, ie a daily average over 7 days of 36,700 daily contaminations, against less than 6,000 a month earlier.

More worryingly, this increase is having repercussions on the hospital: 10,790 Covid patients are currently hospitalized in France, including 1,934 in critical care services, against around 6,600 and 1,000 a month earlier.

A new Health Defense Council will take place on Monday to "see whether it is necessary to take additional measures," Prime Minister Jean Castex announced Thursday.