A fresh wave of Covid infections is emerging across parts of Asia. Health authorities in financial hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong are raising red flags as COVID-19 cases surge significantly, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Spike in Hong Kong
COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong has reached a “quite high” level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Center for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus is now the highest in a year.
The city has reported a sharp rise in severe cases and fatalities, with 31 deaths recorded in the week ending May 3. Rising viral loads in sewage and increased hospital visits are further indicators of widespread community transmission.
Adding to public concern, popular singer Eason Chan tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to cancel scheduled performances in Taiwan, as per a statement on the concert’s official Weibo page.
Singapore Reports 28% Rise in Infections
Singapore’s Ministry of Health reported a 28% increase in estimated COVID-19 cases, reaching 14,200 cases in the first week of May. Hospitalizations also rose by approximately 30% during the same period.
This is Singapore’s first major COVID-19 update in nearly a year, prompted by the scale of the uptick. Health authorities have linked the surge to waning immunity, though they emphasized there is no evidence that the circulating variants are more severe or transmissible than previous strains.
The surge is notable as it defies the usual pattern of respiratory illnesses peaking in colder months. Authorities have urged high-risk groups to stay updated on booster vaccinations, as infection updates will now be shared only during significant surges.
Broader Trends Across Asia
Other parts of Asia are also witnessing rising COVID-19 trends:
- China: The national CDC reported that test positivity rates in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4.
- Thailand: Two cluster outbreaks were reported following the Songkran festival in April.
Public health officials across the region are urging continued vaccination efforts, particularly among vulnerable populations, to mitigate the impact of this latest wave.
Should India Be Concerned?
According to the official COVID-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the country currently has only 93 active cases. There are no signs of a new wave at present.
While the regional surge warrants vigilance, especially in urban centers and among high-risk groups, India remains stable in terms of COVID-19 trends as of now