Summary of Key Points
Recently, the rate of positive COVID-19 test results has been on the rise, increasing from a “low prevalence level” in the 28th week of 2026 to a “moderate prevalence level” in the 29th week. The positivity rate is significantly higher in southern provinces compared to the north, with the 15–59 age group being most affected. COVID-19 has replaced influenza as the primary cause of flu-like cases in outpatient and emergency departments, but the positivity rate among hospitalized patients with severe conditions has slightly decreased. Experts attribute this to the increased mobility during the summer vacation and poor ventilation in air-conditioned rooms, noting that there has been no corresponding increase in the number of severe cases or deaths, so there is no need for public panic. There is a growing demand for COVID-19 medications, and pharmaceutical companies are increasing their stockpiling and distribution efforts. Health authorities recommend taking protective measures such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated.
1. Changes in COVID-19 Prevalence: From “Low” to “Moderate,” with Significant Differences Between North and South
The prevalence level shifted from “low” (28th week, July 6–12) to “moderate” (29th week, July 13–19). The positivity rate for COVID-19 is much higher in southern provinces, whether in flu-like cases or among hospitalized patients with severe conditions. In the north, COVID-19 ranks second in outpatient and emergency cases but does not even make it into the top three for hospitalized patients with severe conditions. The 15–59 age group has the highest rate of positive test results, possibly due to their more frequent work and travel activities.
2. Virus Distribution by Scenario: COVID-19 Outpaces Influenza in Outpatient and Emergency Departments, but Positivity Rate Drops Among Hospitalized Patients with Severe Conditions
- Outpatient and Emergency Cases (Flu-Like): COVID-19 has become the most common cause of illness, with a 16.3% positivity rate (up 4.3 percentage points from last week), while influenza’s rate dropped to 12.6% (down 0.9 percentage points).
- Hospitalized Patients with Severe Conditions: COVID-19 still leads the list, but the positivity rate is now 5.9%, down 1 percentage point from last week. This indicates that although more people are infected, the proportion developing severe cases has not increased, so there is no need to worry too much about the worsening of the condition.
3. Why Has COVID-19 Become More Active Recently? Summer Vacation Mobility and Poor Ventilation in Air-Conditioned Rooms Are Main Reasons
Experts from Southern Medical University explain that the summer vacation leads to increased travel and family visits, facilitating virus spread. Additionally, the use of air conditioning in summer, combined with closed windows and poor ventilation, creates conducive conditions for the virus to spread in enclosed spaces. However, they emphasize that this is just a temporary fluctuation and not a widespread outbreak, and there has been no increase in the number of severe cases or deaths, so there is no cause for panic.
4. Market Response: Rising Demand for COVID-19 Medications, with Pharmaceutical Companies Increasing Supplies
Since late June, the demand for COVID-19 medications has increased. Pharmaceutical companies are increasing their stockpiles and working with e-commerce platforms to ensure that medications reach patients more quickly. This shows that the market is adapting to the changing situation to meet the needs of those in need.
5. Health Authorities’ Protection Recommendations: Follow These Measures to Reduce Infection Risk
Health authorities advise everyone to wear masks properly (especially in crowded places), maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular sleep and exercise), practice good hygiene (frequent handwashing, covering mouth and nose when coughing), and get vaccinated. These measures can effectively reduce the spread of respiratory infections, whether caused by COVID-19 or influenza.
Overall, this increase in COVID-19 cases is a temporary fluctuation that has not led to a surge in severe cases. By taking basic protective measures, there is no need for excessive worry. Pharmaceutical companies and platforms are actively responding to the changing demand to ensure an adequate supply of medications.