In recent days, a widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus has reemerged in mainland China, with multiple patients and doctors revealing that hospitals are refusing to conduct nucleic acid tests and only allowing blood tests to be carried out. Even after receiving test results, individuals are not informed of the specific virus they are infected with. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 560% increase in cases in July compared to June, with just over 100 severe cases and one death. However, industry insiders believe that these figures are unreliable and that the CDC is concealing the true extent of the outbreak.
On August 20, the Chinese CDC released the latest data for the 33rd week (August 10-17), showing a positive test rate of 21.2%, a slight decrease for the week and indicating that the overall situation remains at a moderate level of transmission. The predominant variant remains the NB.1.8.1 lineage, with the highest positive test rate among cases aged 15 to 59.
Analyzing the recent four weeks’ data announced by the CDC, outpatient cases of the virus in mainland China were at 20.3% for the 30th week (July 20-27), 22.3% for the 31st week (July 27-August 2), 21.1% for the 32nd week (August 3-9), and 21.2% for the 33rd week (August 10-17).
Furthermore, data released by the Chinese CDC on July’s national situation of novel coronavirus infections showed an increase of 522,000 confirmed cases in July, surging by 443,000 cases compared to June, marking a monthly increase of 560.76%, with 487 severe cases and one death.
Dr. Johnath Liu, a professor at a Chinese medical school in Canada, analyzed the figures released by the Chinese CDC and stated that the country is undoubtedly experiencing a rapid spread of the virus based on the current numbers. He highlighted that the reported 522,000 confirmed cases likely represent only a fraction of the actual total, considering that many individuals with mild symptoms may not seek medical attention and instead recover at home without taking a test. He emphasized that the true number of cases is likely much higher than reported.
Dr. Liu further pointed out that under the current challenging weather and disaster conditions in mainland China, such as floods, heavy rains, typhoons, and earthquakes, these calamities tend to facilitate the spread of the virus, potentially leading to the emergence of new variants and an increase in severe cases.
Regarding the reported severe cases and deaths by the Chinese authorities, Dr. Liu affirmed that deliberate fabrications are evident to portray a falsely positive image. He criticized the Chinese government for manipulating data and emphasized that such actions ultimately jeopardize the safety of the Chinese population.
Recent reports from patients in Shanghai and Zhejiang revealed troubling accounts of their experiences at hospitals. Patients described being initially refused nucleic acid testing and only undergoing blood tests, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Some patients expressed frustration with the lack of transparency regarding their test results, with no clear information provided on the viruses they were infected with.
Additionally, individuals shared their challenges in accessing proper testing for COVID-19, with instances of hospitals refusing to conduct nucleic acid tests upon requests. Such incidents raise concerns about the accuracy and integrity of the reported data on cases, severe conditions, and deaths related to the virus.
In conclusion, the ongoing situation in mainland China underscores the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the true extent of the COVID-19 outbreak. The discrepancies in reporting, challenges in accessing testing, and the potential manipulation of data by authorities raise significant concerns about the reliability of the information provided to the public. Efforts to ensure transparency, accurate reporting, and comprehensive testing remain critical in managing and addressing the evolving public health crisis.