The Omicron NB.1.8.1 variant has reached moderate transmission levels in China, with test positivity climbing above influenza rates in mid-July.
According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the positive rate for COVID-19 tests reached 16.3 per cent in the week of July 13-19. This marked a 4.3 percentage point increase from the prior week, while influenza positivity fell to 12.6 per cent.
Mainland China recorded 79,000 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in June, including 130 severe cases and one death. The CDC described the spread as faster than flu and at a moderate transmission level.
The agency recommended that elderly people and those with underlying conditions wear masks in public places and hospitals.
