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Covid: nearly 20,000 hospitalizations in France, and more than 3,600 intensive care patients

The rise in hospitalizations in France continues. On Monday January 3, 2022, 19,606 covid-19 patients were hospitalized in France, 563 more than in the previous 24 hours. A further 3,654 patients are currently in intensive care.

Covid: and what if the Omicron variant was to end the epidemic?

And what if Omicron was able to end the pandemic? This is what suggests virologist Yves Van Laethem, stating its high contagiousness and its weakened virulence might enable not-vaccinated people to be “immunized in a benign fashion”.

Coronavirus: here is what changes in France this Monday January 3rd

The coronavirus epidemic is strongly increasing again in France, leading the government to instate new restrictions and measures. Here is more about what changes this Monday January 3, 2022.

Covid: herd immunity to be reached soon thanks to Omicron? Olivier Véran’s hope

Interviewed by the JDD, Olivier Véran shared his optimism about the fifth wave that “could be the last” thanks to reinforced immunity of the population thanks to the Omicron variant.

Covid: isolation rules to be relaxed from Monday January 3rd

New isolation rules will be instated from January 3 for all contact cases and Covid-19 sick with different modalities depending on the vaccination scheme.

Coronavirus: Omicron now dominant in France

On the eve of the new year 2022, the fight against the coronavirus epidemic in France moves on. Now, the omicron variant is dominant in the country with 62.4% of suspected cases.

Coronavirus: gauges not to apply to fairs, exhibitions, zoos and theme parks

As the coronavirus epidemic is breaking out strongly again, the French government announced gatherings in public places were limited again. Yet, like political meetings, the measure does not apply to fairs, exhibitions, zoos and theme parks.

Omicron: Institut Pasteur’s different scenarios about the variant

As Omicron is hitting France at a swift pace, the Institut Pasteur released new modeling, unveiling the different and likely scenarios on the impact of Omicron in France.

Covid: eating and drinking banned in several public places, starting from this Monday

Following the latest health defense council, Jean Castex announced drinking and eating was banned in all movie theaters, theaters, sport facilities and public transit – including long hauls. This measure will come into effect from Monday January 3, 2022, for three weeks.

Covid: Omicron variant positive people’s vaccinated contact cases no longer have to self-isolate

The new Omicron variant was temporarily game-changing. From this day forth, all contact-cases of someone who tested positive to the Covid-19 Omicron or Delta variant no longer have to self-isolate if vaccinated.

Covid: Xenothera's therapy, Xav-19, working against Omicron

And what if, amid the fight against Covid, one could rely – in addition to the upcoming vaccine – on antibody-based treatments? After Bamlanivimab – the treatment developed by the Eli Lilly laboratory – or even Regeneron, this is now French Nantes-based laboratory Xenothera’s turn to present a treatment undergoing clinical trials, Xav-19. According to primary studies, the therapy is effective against Covid's Omicron variant, but waiting for the green light for marketing from early 2022.

New Year 2022 in Paris and Île-de-France: more on restrictions and measures

As the French are about to celebrate the New Year 2022 with the coronavirus epidemic still in the background, restrictions have been instated, especially in Paris and Île-de-France. Here is everything you need to know on Friday December 31, 2021.

Omicron variant: the risk remains “very high” according to the WHO

Faced with the swift spread of Omicron across the world, the WHO is warning against the still “very high” risk related to this new variant.

Covid: every second, "more than two French are diagnosed positive", Olivier Véran announces

New Covid-19 positive case toll record in France with 208,000 new cases reported over the past 24 hours. "Every second, in our country, over two French are diagnosed positive to Covid. We've never seen such a situation", Olivier Véran acknowledged this December 29, 2021, in front of the Law Commission at the National Assembly.

Covid: antigen tests less effective to detect Omicron, according to American health authorities

As the Omicron variant dominates in several countries across the world, are PCR and antigen tests likely to detect this new variant? According to the U.S. health authorities, antigen tests are less sensitive to Omicron.

Covid: a fourth dose of vaccine? “It is a possibility”, Olivier Véran claims

At the end of the latest press brief held this December 27, 2021, Health Minister Olivier Véran claimed a fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine was a “possibility” in France.

Covid and isolation: new rules to come soon for positive cases and contact cases

To date, people who have been in touch with someone infected with the Omicron variant must self-isolate for seven days, or even 17 days if they live in the same place. Following the latest health defense council, Jean Castex announced the self-isolation period for Covid-19 positive cases and contact cases will change soon. These new isolation rules are to be announced by the end of the week by the French government.

Omicron variant: an “unusual” symptom only spotted in children

As Omicron is hitting France, a UK doctor is worried about an “unusual” symptom only spotted in children.

Covid: Paris is France’s hardest-hit department with 27% Omicron cases

Omicron is spreading at lightning pace and the number of positive cases because of it are still underestimated. Paris reports 27% of suspect cases making it the hardest-hit department in France by the new variant.

Omicron: immunity drops 10 weeks after the third dose, a UK study found

As the third dose vaccination campaign is going on in France, the UK health security agency has released a study showing immunity drops only ten weeks after the booster. Towards a fourth dose?