While France is exiting lockdown, the threat of a fourth epidemic wave grows likelier. And for good reason: the famous Delta variant – a more contagious mutant – which spread has caused a coronavirus epidemic resurgence in several European countries. And France has not been spared.
The incidence rate has increased in 11 regions. As of July 7, the Delta variant is found in 40% of new cases in France. As of June 28, 2021, it dominates in three regions: Île-de-France (in 52.4% of cases reported), Nouvelle Aquitaine (in 51.6% of cases reported) and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (in 61.4% of cases reported). The latter is the region the hardest-hit by the Delta variant.
This mutation is said to be 60% more contagious than the UK variant – named Alpha – that created an epidemic within the epidemic which jeopardized the second lockdown exit. Since then, it has been dominating in the country. And the scenario might repeat itself in a quicker way because of the Delta variant. The latter might cause a fourth wave from this summer.
