Hebei Health Commission Staff Member Says Actual COVID Infection Numbers Exceed Official Reports
On August 18, 2026, NTD reported that a Hebei Health Commission staff member said the 522,000 new confirmed cases in July released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention only reflect medical consultation data, and that the real number of infections is higher, with hospital beds in tight supply and long queues for cremation in many places; the claim has not been officially confirmed.