Summary of Key Points
Recently, the national COVID-19 testing positivity rate has been on the rise. Data from disease control authorities shows that the positivity rates for both outpatient and inpatient cases at sentinel hospitals have increased (one in every five patients presenting with flu-like symptoms is positive). The positivity rate is higher in southern regions and among the 15-59 age group. Disease control officials emphasize that this increase is a normal cyclical fluctuation, with the severity of the infections remaining unchanged (mainly mild cases), and no significant risk-causing variants have emerged, so medical services have not been significantly affected. The demand for antiviral drugs has surged with the rise in positivity rates, and companies have begun full production to ensure supply. Disease control authorities are advising the public to take personal protective measures such as wearing masks and getting vaccinated.
Detailed Analysis
1. Increase in COVID-19 Positivity Rate: One in Every Five Flu-Like Cases
Data from sentinel hospitals for the 30th week (July 20-26) shows:
- Outpatient flu-like cases: The COVID-19 positivity rate is 20.3% (a 4-percentage-point increase), meaning that one in every five patients with fever, cough, and other flu-like symptoms is infected with COVID-19.
- Inpatient severe respiratory infection cases: The COVID-19 positivity rate is 9.5% (a 3.3-percentage-point increase).
- Regional Differences: Both northern and southern regions have the highest positivity rates among outpatient cases, but inpatient cases show a higher rate in the south and a lower rate in the north.
- Age Group Characteristics: The 15-59 age group has the highest positivity rate, with significantly higher rates in the south compared to the north.
- Note: The data comes from a sample of sentinel hospitals and only reflects the situation at these monitoring points.
2. Disease Control's Assessment: This Increase is a “Normal Fluctuation”
Chinese disease control authorities have made the following statements:
- Cyclical Fluctuations: COVID-19 has become a common respiratory infectious disease, with 1-2 outbreaks each year. This increase is part of the normal cycle.
- Severity of Infections Remains Unchanged: Most cases are mild, with severe infections still primarily affecting the elderly and patients with chronic diseases.
- No Risky Variants: The currently prevalent variant is NB.1.8.1, and no new variants that would pose a major public health risk have been identified.
- Medical Services Stable: The fluctuation in cases has not significantly impacted overall medical operations.
3. Surge in Demand for Antiviral Drugs, with Companies Increasing Production
As the positivity rate rises, sales of COVID-19 antiviral drugs have increased significantly:
- Xiansheng Pharmaceutical’s oral medication “Xianuoxin” saw over 70,000 visitors in the past week (a 53.3% increase week-on-week), with order volumes rising by 48.2%.
- The company has initiated emergency production, operating its production lines at full capacity with employees working three shifts to ensure adequate supply.
4. Public Protection Recommendations: Simple Measures for Effective Prevention
Disease control authorities recommend the following measures:
- Wear Masks Properly: Wear masks in crowded or enclosed areas such as hospitals and subways.
- Maintain Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, ventilate rooms regularly, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing.
- Live a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a regular schedule, eat a balanced diet, and exercise moderately to boost immunity.
- Get Vaccinated: Especially the elderly and patients with chronic diseases should get booster shots to reduce the risk of severe infections.
In summary, the increase in COVID-19 positivity rates is a controllable and normal phenomenon. There is no need for panic; by taking basic protective measures, especially for high-risk groups, the situation can be managed effectively. Drug supplies are also secure, so there is no need to stockpile them.