French health authorities have reported a “very high” Covid-19 infection rate in children aged 6-10, they said in a weekly report on Friday.
According to the country’s national health service, adherence to vaccination and social distancing guidelines is “more indispensable than ever” in slowing infections. Only the most vulnerable children aged 6-10 are currently eligible for vaccination, although the government has announced preparations to vaccinate this age group if scientific advisors recommend it.
The national weekly incidence rate rose 13% this week to 508 cases per 100,000 people, the highest since the first wave of Covid-19 – although the rate of increase is less than the week before, according to the report. According to Public Health France, an average of 48,700 new Covid-19 cases were diagnosed this week.
The agency also reported that the number of Omicron cases in the country has risen to 301.
Nationally, hospital and intensive care admissions this week saw double-digit percentages (12% and 15%, respectively), but the numbers remain below those of the first three waves.
The health service attributed the relatively low levels of Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths in this fifth wave to the efficacy of vaccines in avoiding severe forms of the disease and the spread of Covid-19, especially among the youngest of the population, who less risk of hospitalization.
