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COVID-19 surge in China and South Korea, August 2026

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2026-08-23 03:16 UTC → 2026-08-24 13:56 UTC · added ~~removed~~

~~China~~ COVID-19 surge ~~and regional resurgence~~ in China and South Korea, August 2026

Following a surge in June 2026, where mainland China recorded approximately 79,000 new COVID-19 infections, the infection rate accelerated significantly in July. The National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration reported 522,000 new confirmed cases for the month, representing a more than sixfold increase from June. The China CDC stated that the nation is currently at the “peak plateau phase of this fluctuation in the epidemic.” While case numbers rose sharply, the severity of the illness remained relatively low, with July recording 487 severe cases and one death. Genomic sequencing indicates that Omicron sub-variants, specifically NB.1.8.1 and its sublineages, remain the primary strains in circulation. Experts attribute the spike to increased domestic and global summer travel and waning population immunity. Regional concerns have intensified in South Korea. The ~~positivity~~ Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that the COVID-19 detection rate ~~for influenza-like cases~~ reached 9.1% during the week of August 9–15, up from 3.2% in ~~outpatient and emergency departments~~ week 30. Hospitalizations also rose 2.4 times, increasing from ~~8.2%~~ 23 patients in week 30 to ~~21.2% over recent weeks. Health~~ 56 patients in week 33. South Korean health authorities ~~have reclassified~~ expect the ~~disease as a Category B illness, noting it is considered recurrent with one or two outbreaks per year. By~~ current wave to peak between late ~~August, experts indicated~~ August and late September, though officials project the ~~growth rate had slowed as~~ scale will remain below half of the ~~outbreak reached a plateau, with expectations that cases would begin decreasing. However, regional concerns are growing as South Korea has~~ peak levels seen ~~its virus detection rate rise~~ last year. In Taiwan, rising case numbers have led to ~~9.1% and hospitalizations increase 2.4 times during the second week of August. Additionally, Taiwan has reported~~ temporary vaccine shortages in certain ~~areas due to the rising case numbers.~~ areas.

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