# China COVID-19 surge continues through August 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-covid-19-surge-june-2026 > Updated: 2026-07-31T11:12:36.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 4. June 2026 saw mainland China record about 79,000 new COVID‑19 infections, more than double the May total, with the Omicron sub‑variant NB.1.8.1 dominant and no new variants of concern. The surge was most pronounced in Guangdong and other southern provinces. In July, sentinel hospitals reported that COVID‑19 became the leading respiratory illness, overtaking seasonal influenza. Test‑positivity among patients with flu‑like symptoms was 16.3% during the week of 13‑19 July and rose to 20.3% in the following week, affecting people aged 15‑59 the most. Severe cases remained at 130 with a single death, and most infections were mild, not straining health‑care services. Data released at the end of July and early August show the weekly positivity rate climbed above 20% for the period 20‑26 July, a four‑point increase from the prior week. The highest positivity was observed among children aged 0‑4, adults 15‑59, and seniors over 60. Authorities continue to describe the rise as a periodic summer wave, note that disease severity is unchanged, and emphasize that no new variant of concern has been identified. No emergency restrictions have been introduced, with ongoing advice for the elderly and those with pre‑existing conditions to remain vigilant. Detailed CDC reporting for June indicated sentinel testing in hospital outpatient and emergency departments placed COVID‑19 positivity at 9.6%, slightly below influenza (11.6%). The health authority issued renewed mask guidance for crowded places, public transport and medical visits, especially for older adults, pregnant women, children and those with chronic illnesses, and reiterated vaccination and hygiene measures. Social‑media discussion noted some skepticism about the completeness of official figures and concerns about long‑term health effects. ## Claims - Two Chanel Hong Kong employees were sentenced to prison for theft. (single source) - The employees stole more than 700 handbags and wallets slated for destruction. (single source) - The total value of the stolen items exceeded HK$19 million (NT$76 million). (single source) - The theft involved collusion with two other warehouse workers in 2017. (single source) - Chanel destroys 1,000 to 2,000 old items every six months using shredding machines. (single source) - The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to steal. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: China reports COVID-19 surge, cases outpace influenza in July July 2026 saw COVID‑19 become China’s top respiratory illness, with positivity rates climbing to 20.3%, driven by Omicron NB.1.8.1, but most cases are mild and health services remain stable. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-reports-summer-covid-surge-with-163-test-positivity ### 2026-07-29: China reports 79,000 COVID-19 cases as infections outpace flu China logged 79,000 COVID‑19 cases in June, with 130 severe cases and one death, as the Omicron NB.1.8.1 variant drives infections that now exceed flu positivity rates; masks are again recommended for high‑risk 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-reports-79000-covid-19-cases-as-infections-outpace-flu ### 2026-07-16: China sees sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in June China reported almost 79,000 new COVID-19 cases in June, a 3.6‑fold rise, with Omicron subvariants and a 9.6% positivity rate, while officials still describe national circulation as low‑level and stable. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-sees-sharp-rise-in-covid-19-cases-in-june ### 2026-07-12: China reports 79,000 COVID-19 cases in June 2026 China's CDC logged 79,000 COVID-19 infections in June 2026, double May's tally, with 130 severe cases and one death, prompting renewed mask guidance for public transport and vulnerable groups. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-reports-79000-covid-19-cases-in-june-2026 --- Cite as: China COVID-19 surge continues through August 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-covid-19-surge-june-2026