Peking University Estimates 900 Million Cumulative COVID-19 Infections in China

Estimation Based on Internet Search Volume

A study revealed that there are 900 million COVID-19 infections in China. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] A study has revealed that there are 900 million COVID-19 infections in China.

According to Chinese media Economic Observer Network on the 13th, a research team from the National School of Development at Peking University analyzed recent transmission characteristics of COVID-19, post-infection symptoms, and differences among populations and regions. Their report estimated that as of the 11th, the cumulative infection rate in China was approximately 64%, with about 900 million infected individuals.

According to the report, the top three provinces with the highest cumulative infection rates were Gansu (about 91%), Yunnan (about 84%), and Qinghai (about 80%), all located in the western inland region. This was contrary to expectations that major cities like Beijing would have higher infection rates.

The report suggests that 13 days after China announced the easing of quarantine measures on December 7 last year, the number of infections in many parts of the country had already peaked. It claimed that by the end of last year, all regions had passed their infection peaks.

The research team, including Associate Professor Ma Jingjing of Peking University, used big data based on the volume of internet searches related to COVID-19 infection terms to present these estimates.