The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has recorded a noticeable rise in the number of COVID-19 infections over the past month, according to the agency’s latest data.

Earlier, the center published statistics on respiratory illnesses in mainland China for the period from March 31 to May 4. According to the released figures, the percentage of positive COVID-19 test results among patients with influenza-like illnesses in hospitals increased from 7.5% during the week starting March 31 to 16.2% during the week starting April 27.

“This month, the rate of positive COVID-19 tests has risen, with higher rates in southern provinces compared to northern ones,” the report states.

At the same time, the center noted that in some provinces where there had previously been an increase in positive test results, the rate of new infections began to slow during the reporting period.

The center emphasized that, as of now, the overall epidemiological situation regarding respiratory infectious diseases in mainland China "remains generally low." The report also notes that no unknown pathogens or new infectious diseases caused by such agents have been detected.

Cai Weiping, chief infectious disease expert at the Eighth People's Hospital of Guangzhou, quoted Friday by China Daily, stated that there is no need to worry about periodic COVID-19 surges but recommended that high-risk individuals take appropriate preventive measures.