The Omicron variant continues to progress, particularly in Île-de-France.
Asked about France Inter this Monday morning, Dominique Costagliola, renowned epidemiologist, notably speculated that the Omicron variant was responsible at this time for more contaminations than its predecessors.
. @ DgCostagliola: "There is a fairly contrasted situation depending on the region compared to Omicron. In Île-de-France, Omicron is dominant. But in Paca, for example, Delta is saturating the resuscitations" # le79inter pic .twitter.com / 0lf3fFnDQC
- France Inter (@franceinter) December 27, 2021
“Omicron is undoubtedly dominant in Île-de-France, where the incidence is increasing dramatically,” she explains.
Figures from the SI-DEP (the government platform where the results of Covid tests are recorded) point in the same direction.
In one week, the incidence rate increased by 109% among 20-29 year olds and 46% among 30-39 year olds.
A contrasting situation depending on the region
But not all regions of France seem to be equally affected by this new variant.
In the Paca region, where the incidence rate is also high, "it is Delta which saturates the resuscitations, they are at more than 100% of use of resuscitation beds", recalls Dominique Costagliola, who is also the director of research at the Pierre-Louis Epidemiology and Public Health Institute, attached to the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris.
The incidence rate explodes among 20-29 year olds (+ 108% in one week), it increases rapidly among 30-39 year olds (+ 46%), and it also begins to climb among people aged at least 60 years old (around + 11%).
1/5 ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/YC7QhEgOEM
- Nicolas Berrod (@nicolasberrod) December 27, 2021
On the other hand, it is still too early to say whether this increase in the incidence reflects a real increase in the circulation of the virus, or if it is just due to the increase in the number of tests.
Especially since the search method for cases infected with the Omicron variant changed last Monday, which extends the analysis time for PCR tests.
"It takes time for it to be put in place," tempers the epidemiologist.
Towards restrictive measures against Omicron?
This Monday, at 4 p.m., an exceptional Health Defense Council will be held to stem the wave of contamination linked to Omicron.
Restrictive measures could be pronounced by the government.
For his part, Dominique Costagliola is positioned on the merits of a measure such as a curfew on New Year's Eve.
“It's not a one-day curfew that will change the dynamics of the epidemic.
If this measure is taken, it will be a display measure, ”said the epidemiologist on France Inter.
