28th May 2023 – (Beijing) Medical experts in China have reported that the overall number of COVID-19 infections in the country has entered a low prevalence level since mid-May, with the vast majority of patients showing only mild symptoms. While there has been a recent increase in the number of fever clinic patients, the total amount is far less than during the peak of the previous infection wave.
According to Wang Liping, a researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), infections caused by the XBB subvariants of Omicron will continue to exist for some time, but the overall situation is stable and under control. Wang also noted that the impact on the normal operation of medical services and society as a whole has been minimal.
Chen Cao, another China CDC researcher, stated that monitoring data shows that the XBB subvariants are now the predominant COVID-19 strains in both imported and local infections, with no significant change in pathogenicity. Disease control authorities in China have multi-channel monitoring and early warning systems in place to take effective response measures if new risks are detected.
Chief Doctor Li Tongzeng of the Department of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases at Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, added that reinfected COVID-19 patients generally show milder symptoms than during their first infection. Clinical data shows that most reinfected people have a mild sore throat and can break a fevermore quickly, with symptoms lasting only three to five days.
Despite the positive news, health experts have urged caution and encouraged the public to continue practicing COVID-19 prevention measures, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and maintaining social distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to daily life and has had a severe impact on the global economy.
