This is a massive increase, symptomatic of the resumption of the epidemic in France.
After a first increase between November 8 and 14 of around 15%, the number of tests validated last week exploded, according to data from the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (Drees), attached to the Ministry of Health.
2.9 million samples were taken, against 2.1 million seven days earlier.
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This increase of 815,000 tests represents a jump of 39% in one week, driven first by the epidemic resumption, and then by the strong demand "
among those under 16
", notes the Drees. Part of this increase can be explained in particular by the resumption of screening in schools after the holidays. Testing is increasing in all age groups, however, less noticeably for others.
The number of withdrawals recorded in seven days has thus almost returned to the level observed at the time of the end of the free service, in mid-October. The rise is dazzling, 61% in two weeks, after several months of continuous decline since the summer. Another sign of this increased demand, the daily number of tests once again exceeded the 400,000 mark every day of the past week, except Sunday.
This dynamic is not surprising, the epidemic taking off again in a "dazzling" manner in France, according to the government spokesperson. So much so that the executive must present, this Thursday, measures eagerly awaited to deal with this new wave. Many voices are also calling for the reinstatement of free tests for all, in order to better track contaminations and allow sick people to isolate themselves. This is particularly the case of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Marine Le Pen or Michel Barnier. A track excluded so far by the executive.
For now, the tests remain free in the overwhelming majority of cases: more than 50 million French people are fully vaccinated against Covid, and to this number are added many special cases such as people with a prescription from their doctor. or minor ones.