Chinese state media have often emphasised the importance of spreading zhengnengliang or “positive energy” online.
And in the face of a crisis, they often also stress the good work being done by the authorities, medical specialists and people in the wider community.
This is what makes its downbeat tone regarding a surge of Covid-19 cases in Beijing so striking.
With 39 locally transmitted cases confirmed today, the newspapers are hinting that the prospect of a second wave hitting is very real.
Vice Premier Sun Chunlan has warned that “the risk of the Beijing epidemic spreading is very high”, while the newspaper of the ruling Communist Party urged people to wear masks because “some people have not been vigilant”.
China responded to earlier concerns about cases in other provinces by quickly mass testing communities, which has so far proven successful. It is hoping the same approach will work in Beijing.