Despite the lack of an official proclamation, social media speculation about a state of emergency has been stoked by reports of a viral outbreak in China, including human metapneumovirus. Due to the possibility of worldwide transmission,

The posts are mostly false. Chinese authorities have reported an increase in some respiratory infections, but the increases are in line with seasonal trends and no state of emergency has been declared.

Recent reports from China have highlighted a worrying increase in respiratory infections, with hospitals facing overcrowding and health systems under pressure. Viral videos from China have been circulating all over the internet,