Years after the world battled the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the virus appears to be resurging in parts of Asia. Health authorities in the densely populated financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are raising alarms as COVID-19 infections surge sharply in these major cities, reports Bloomberg.
Spike in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, COVID-19 activity has reached a “quite high” level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Center for Health Protection report cited. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus is at its highest in a year.
Severe cases and deaths have also surged, with 31 fatalities reported in the week ending May 3. Rising viral loads in sewage and increased hospital visits further indicate significant community spread. While case numbers have not yet matched previous pandemic peaks, the data signals an active resurgence.
Amid the rise, popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan cancelled his scheduled performances in Taiwan after testing positive for COVID-19, according to a statement on the concert’s official Weibo page.
Singapore reports 28% rise in infections
Singapore’s health ministry has reported a 28% jump in estimated cases, reaching 14,200 in the first week of May. Hospitalizations rose by around 30% during the same period report cited.
This marks the country’s first major COVID-19 update in nearly a year, triggered by the scale of the increase. Authorities link the rise to waning immunity, although they confirmed there is “no indication” that current variants are more contagious or severe than previous ones.
The spike is notable as it comes during the warmer months, challenging the pattern of respiratory viruses typically peaking in colder weather. Singapore now provides infection updates only during major surges and has urged high-risk groups to stay current on booster doses.
Broader regional trends
Elsewhere in Asia, COVID-19 trends are also rising. In China, test positivity rates in hospitals more than doubled over the five weeks leading up to May 4, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Thailand reported two cluster outbreaks following its annual Songkran festival in April.
Public health officials across the region are advising the public—particularly vulnerable populations—to stay up to date on vaccinations to limit the impact of this latest wave.
Should India be worried ?
According to the official COVID-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, there are currently only 93 active COVID-19 cases in the country. As of now, no new wave of COVID-19 cases has been reported in India.
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