FACT CHECK: No evidence of state of emergency in China over alleged new epidemic

Claim: China has declared a state of emergency due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza A, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: Several posts bearing the claim have spread on various social media platforms. One such post was published on X (formerly Twitter) by an account named “SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19)” which has over 35,800 followers. The post has now accumulated 5.9 million views, 13,000 reactions, 12,000 retweets, and 2,700 comments as of writing.

The post features a photo and video supposedly showing overwhelmed hospitals in China. The post’s caption reads: “BREAKING: China Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.” 

The thread of posts from the account also claimed that China is experiencing an influx of cases, with many people allegedly succumbing to the illness.

The facts: Neither Chinese health authorities nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed any such outbreak or public health emergency in China. There are also no reports or statements from government agencies or credible sources about the supposed declaration of a state of emergency in the country.

Unverified international health concern: On January 3, the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) released an advisory debunking unverified claims about an alleged international health concern.

While the DOH did not name the specific illness or country, the advisory was released amid the circulating social media posts claiming a new epidemic in China.

“Reliable sources currently do not support circulating posts on social media about an alleged international health concern,” the department said. 

“The DOH is actively verifying all information and will keep the Filipino public updated. Please do not share questionable websites or online sources,” it added.

The agency said that the Philippines’ disease surveillance system is working closely with the WHO to monitor and bring timely and accurate updates about the supposed health concern. 

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Manila called the claims of a new epidemic in China “fake news.”

Peak flu season: Recent reports note a rise in respiratory illnesses in China during winter, with cases of hMPV on an upward trend. 

Kan Biao, an official from China’s National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, noted that the spread of COVID-19 is now at a low level but is still being monitored.

Health officials said the flu season for winter and spring is expected to peak in January. 

According to a Reuters report, China is testing a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. This initiative seeks to enhance the country’s preparedness for disease control, addressing shortcomings in its response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Declaration of state of emergency: In China, the authority to declare a state of emergency is primarily held by two entities: the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) and the State Council.

The NPCSC has the power to declare a state of emergency for the entire country or specific provincial-level regions. This authority was established following amendments to the Chinese Constitution in 2004, which aimed to provide a legal framework for responding to various emergencies, including public health crises.

On the other hand, the State Council can declare a state of emergency limited to specific areas within provincial-level regions.

Meanwhile, it is the WHO that declares a public health emergency of international concern. This declaration is made by the WHO Director-General based on advice from the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee, scientific experts, information provided by State Parties, and an assessment of risk to human health, risk of international spread of disease, and risk of interference with international travel. – Jerry Yubal Jr./Rappler.com 

Jerry Yubal Jr. is a graduate of Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler for 2023-2024. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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