China has been ordered to downplay a mystery wave of pneumonia as cases of illness surge across the country, an insider has claimed.
Medics are said to have been told not to reveal the cause of the sickness and to avoid using the term "Covid-19".
The illness which has caused "unusual symptoms" has forced the country to bring back masks and social distancing.
As fears of a new pandemic grow, hospitals have become overwhelmed with sick children - particularly in the north of the country.
People waiting outside children's hospital in BeijingREUTERSAn insider from China's top leadership has now alleged that the country's top chiefs have been given a "secret directive".
The source claims the order came straight from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Authorities have reportedly insisted that the outbreak must be referred to as either mycoplasma pneumonia infection or influenza.
"Major foreign media outlets stationed in Beijing also received the order which makes it clear that no interviews are allowed to report on the so-called 'mycoplasma pneumonia infection' or 'influenza'," the source told The Epoch Times.
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"Domestic media are also prohibited from making any comprehensive reports on this outbreak that is just like pretending this never happened."
The insider added that several hospitals have set up makeshift clinics to deal with the surging number of patients.
"The affiliated hospital of Hebei University's (makeshift clinic) is already put into use, primarily for children receiving IV drip treatments," she said.
China insists that the outbreak is caused by the flu and the usual winter bugs rather than a new virus.
Man wheels a child out of hospital in BeijingREUTERSBeijing has told the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the rising numbers of cases is down to "multiple known pathogens" returning stronger.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it's "in touch with local health authorities and its country office in China".
CDC spokesperson Jasmine Reed, said: "Initial reports indicate that there have been simultaneous increases in a number of known respiratory illnesses, resulting in a spike in hospitalisations.
"We continue to monitor the situation, collaborating with global health partners."
