Refer China: Again? Nationwide Surge in COVID-19 Positivity Rates Sparks Buzz

Extra precautions should be taken by three specific groups

Nationwide Surge in COVID-19 Positivity Rates Sparks Social Media Buzz

In recent weeks, multiple regions across China have witnessed a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 positivity rates. On May 16, the trending hashtag #COVIDInfectionsOnTheRiseAgain sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many users took to various platforms, sharing screenshots of their recent antigen test results. This has amplified public awareness about the current situation.

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New COVID-19 Positivity Rates Climbing – Southern Regions Leading

On May 8, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) released its April 2025 national sentinel surveillance report on acute respiratory infectious diseases. The report provides a clear picture of the ongoing transmission dynamics.

Data collected between March 31 and May 4 reveal an upward trend in the COVID-19 positive rate. Notably, southern provinces have reported higher positivity rates compared to their northern counterparts. Those aged 15 and above form the largest group of positive cases.

Experts suggest that this regional disparity may be influenced by factors such as climate conditions, population density, and patterns of human movement.

Sentinel hospital data indicate that among influenza-like illness cases in emergency departments nationwide, the COVID-19 positivity rate surged from 7.5% to 16.2%. This has maintained the top rank among all respiratory pathogens for three consecutive weeks, surpassing viruses like rhinovirus and influenza.

Hospitals treating severe acute respiratory infections have observed a similar pattern. COVID-19 positivity increased from 3.3% to 6.3%, staying at the forefront of respiratory infections over several weeks.

A Minor Peak in the Regular Seasonal Cycle

This rebound in COVID-19 cases is not a sudden emergence of a new outbreak but rather a minor peak within the regular ebb and flow of seasonal infections.

Media reports and expert commentary point to two major factors behind this resurgence. Firstly, since December 2022, COVID-19 has been co-circulating with seasonal influenza. Since March 2023, the intensity of COVID-19 waves has generally remained lower than that of influenza, despite losing its previously predictable pattern.

In February 2025, China experienced the smallest national influenza outbreak in three years. This decline in community immunity created an opening for COVID-19 to make a comeback.

Secondly, it has been over a year since the previous significant COVID-19 wave (which spanned from December 2023 to January 2024). Naturally acquired antibodies in the population have almost dwindled.

The seasonal transition from spring to summer, marked by significant temperature variations between mornings and evenings, further predisposes people to respiratory infections.

Coupled with heightened travel and social gatherings during holidays such as Qingming and May Day, the virus is primed for easier spread.

Nevertheless, experts are confident that this wave will soon peak and is unlikely to persist. They forecast that by mid-to-late June the positivity rate among influenza-like illness cases in sentinel hospitals will decline to 5% or lower.

Who Needs to Exercise Extra Caution

For most healthy individuals, the symptoms associated with this COVID-19 wave typically remain mild. These symptoms manifest as a sore throat, a brief one- or two-day fever, general fatigue, and in some cases, a cough that may linger for a week or more.

Although there is generally no need for excessive alarm, caution is still advised. The infection can sap physical strength and, more critically, may be transmitted to vulnerable family members such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with chronic illnesses. This could potentially lead to more severe outcomes.

Health experts have highlighted that extra precautions should be taken by three specific groups:

Seniors aged 60 and above: Especially those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or cancer.
Individuals with compromised immune systems: People undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or those who have received organ transplants.
Others with underlying health vulnerabilities: Those whose immune defenses might be lower due to various medical conditions.

Source: 杭州日报