Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the novel coronavirus, has resurged in various parts of China. From Hubei and Jiangxi to Shandong, residents in these regions have noticed a simultaneous increase in cases of “common cold” alongside confirmed COVID-19 cases, with a significant rise in the wearing of masks on the streets compared to April. Official data has not been fully disclosed, with criticism that the epidemic is being downplayed.
The number of COVID-19 infections continues to rise in various regions of China. Recently, many netizens on social media have been sharing experiences of being subjected to COVID-19 tests and expressing frustration about the situation.
According to a report by the “China Business Times” on May 18, information obtained from multiple hospitals indicates a recent increase in the number of outpatient COVID-19 patients, with a noticeable rise in cases of pneumonia and pharyngitis caused by the virus in pediatric wards.
Data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows a significant increase in the positive rate of COVID-19 virus testing since April. In monitoring from March 31 to May 4, the positive rate of COVID-19 virus testing among flu-like cases in sentinel hospitals across the country has increased from 7.5% to 16.2%. The positive testing rate is higher in southern provinces compared to northern ones.
On May 19, Radio Free Asia reported that Zhao Zhi, a resident of Wuhan, Hubei Province, noted an increase in flu patients when visiting the hospital recently. He mentioned that feverish patients are still routinely tested for nucleic acid, saying, “Recently, when I went to the hospital for treatment, I noticed a significant increase in flu patients. Patients who tested positive for the virus wore masks when going out, and some needed hospitalization.”
Mr. Dong from the same city also observed that there are visibly more people wearing masks at the entrance of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He stated, “I now see many people wearing masks at the hospital. The ‘mask trend’ is back on the streets, and there are more people visiting the fever clinic.”
Staff from the Wuhan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an increase in COVID-19 cases recently and advised those with a fever to avoid crowded places when going out, emphasizing the importance of wearing masks: “Regarding the recent rise in COVID-19 infections, if you have a fever or an infection, try to avoid crowded places as much as possible when going out and remember to wear a mask.”
Wang Huan, a resident of Jinan, revealed that her young son was hospitalized in April for flu-like symptoms and was later diagnosed with COVID-19. She mentioned, “Now, the likelihood of testing positive for the coronavirus is higher for anyone with flu symptoms, whether adults or children. My youngest son was hospitalized in April, and the hospital found the coronavirus in him. Recently, many children have been diagnosed with COVID-19.”
Han Zhengyang, a school teacher in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, remarked that there is a notably high incidence of colds in the area, with almost everyone wearing masks when going out. Despite this, the school has not shown any signs of closure: “In April and May, there are many people here suffering from colds, but whether it’s COVID-19 requires testing at the hospital. The accuracy of the data officially released is questionable, and in my opinion, county-level governments are downplaying the coronavirus. If the situation worsens, our school will close, but currently, there is no such announcement.”
In Qingdao, Shandong Province, resident Gao Mingsheng noticed discussions about the risk of reinfection in WeChat groups recently. He said, “The pandemic has reappeared recently, and I see more people wearing masks outside than a month ago. There seems to be a lot more people wearing masks.”