![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31543922.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/2_TOPSHOT-CHINA-HEALTH-WHO.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChina has brought back mask-wearing and social distancing protocols after a mystery outbreak left dozens in hospital four years on from coronavirus. <\/p>\n
The global pandemic of 2020 is still fresh in the mind for many, with safety measures now in place to prevent the spread of an unknown outbreak leaving hospitals at breaking point.<\/p>\n
Beijing and Liaoning have reportedly been overwhelmed with sick children cases, as many sick individuals were found to have developed a severe respiratory illness known as "white lung syndrome".<\/p>\n
READ MORE: New mystery 'Chinese repository virus' out-of-control with hospitals 'overwhelmed'<\/b><\/p>\n
For the latest news and updates on illnesses like Coronavirus from across the globe, click here.<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
The outbreak has left many worried about their loved ones, who are now sitting around in urgent care for up to a day just for emergency care.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
China has downplayed the outbreak and insisted it is all part of the usual winter bugs which spread at this time, rather than a new virus they must deal with.<\/p>\n
Ministry spokesperson Mi Feng said: "Efforts should be made to increase the opening of relevant clinics and treatment areas, extend service hours and increase the supply of medicines."<\/p>\n
They hope local authorities take more action in opening fever clinics for the most vulnerable groups including the elderly and children, so as to provide vaccines. Mi Feng also advised the wearing of masks and social distancing, The Sun reported.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk\/incoming\/article31543925.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615b\/3_Respiratory-Diseases-in-Children.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Authorities were asked to step in when to keep crowded places like schools and nursing homes as illness free as possible. At least 7,000 patients are believed to have been admitted daily to a Beijing children's hospital.<\/p>\n
It far exceeds capacity at the hospital and comes as 13,000 more potential cases were reported in Tianjin. The Daily Star previously reported hospitals were "overwhelmed" as many show no symptoms but are diagnosed with the horror new illness.<\/p>\n
An unnamed source said: "Many, many are hospitalised. They don't cough and have no symptoms. They just have a high temperature (fever) and many develop pulmonary nodules."<\/p>\n
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking <\/i><\/b>here<\/i><\/b>.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n