The number of Covid cases is again on the rise in Monaco and France, with the lifting of most restrictions and a sub variant of Omicron being cited as the causes. Hospitalisations, however, remain low.

Last week, from 14^th to 20^th March inclusive, the positivity rate in Monaco reached 17.18%, with an incidence rate of 910 per 100,000 inhabitants versus 621 the previous week.

France isn’t faring any better. The incidence rate in the Alpes Maritimes is now 867, and 898 in France, while the positive rate in the neighbouring French department is 23.2%.

Monaco dropped mandatory masks at schools on 7^th March and the health pass one week later. France has also scrapped the need to wear masks in classrooms and at indoor public venues.

But the rise has not necessarily translated to hospitalisations. The Princess Grace Hospital Centre is currently treating around a dozen patients, three of whom are residents of the Principality, while only one is in intensive care. Meanwhile, France’s health Minister Olivier Veran announced a very modest 1.7% drop in admissions last week. Intensive care occupancy in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region is 36%.

Whilst the rising numbers are of concern, experts are not raising alarm bells quite yet. The new variant, BA.2, does not appear to cause more severe disease, though it is thought to be highly infectious, like its predecessor. It is also believed that the vaccine is just as effective against this version as the previous one.

Photo of the Covid testing lab at the CSM by Monaco Life