Recent reports indicate a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China. The coronavirus has surpassed influenza to become the fastest-spreading respiratory disease. However, Chinese health officials have stated that most infected individuals are exhibiting only mild symptoms, and the virus’s impact is less severe compared to the situation last year.
79,000 New Cases in June
According to data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the COVID-19 positivity rate reached 16.3% in tests conducted between July 13 and 19—an increase of 4.3 percentage points compared to the previous week. During the same period, the flu positivity rate was recorded at 12.6%. In June, 79,000 new coronavirus cases were reported nationwide, with 130 patients developing critical conditions. Officials reported only one death during this period. The CDC stated that the Omicron variant NB.1.8.1 is currently the dominant strain spreading in China. Officials noted that while this variant has moderate transmissibility, no new variants posing a high risk to public health have been identified so far.
Experts clarify that there is no cause for alarm despite the rise in cases. Most patients are experiencing mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue, and generally recover within five to seven days. It has been revealed that there is no unusual surge in severe cases or deaths, and the current infection rate is lower than that of the COVID-19 wave recorded in 2025. The China CDC has advised the elderly, pregnant women, young children, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses to take special precautions. It recommended wearing masks in crowded areas and hospitals and taking booster doses if necessary.
In the past, COVID-19 and flu cases primarily spiked during the winter. However, cases are now rising during the summer as well. Experts attribute this to conditions conducive to viral spread, such as people spending extended periods in air-conditioned rooms due to intense heat and increased travel during summer vacations. While cases are rising in China, the situation in India remains under control. According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country is very low. Although sporadic cases have recently been reported in states like Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, most affected individuals have exhibited only mild symptoms. Officials state there are currently no signs of a major threat; however, central and state health departments are closely monitoring the situation in light of the latest developments in China.
