Health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have raised alarms over a fresh surge in Covid-19 infections, signaling the onset of a new wave across several parts of Asia, according to a Bloomberg report.
In Hong Kong, Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, stated that current Covid-19 activity in the city is “quite high.” He noted that the number of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus has reached the highest level since last year. Additionally, severe cases and fatalities have peaked, with 31 serious cases recorded in the week leading up to May 3.
Although the current spike is not as extensive as the largest outbreaks experienced in the past two years, other indicators suggest the virus is actively circulating. Authorities have detected the presence of the virus in wastewater, and hospitals and clinics are reporting a higher number of patients presenting with Covid-like symptoms.
Singapore Reports Sharp Increase in Cases
Singapore is also witnessing a significant uptick in Covid-19 cases. In early May, the country's health ministry released its first public update on case numbers in almost a year. During the week ending May 3, reported Covid-19 infections jumped by 28%, reaching approximately 14,200 cases. Hospital admissions linked to Covid-19 also rose by about 30 per cent during the same period.
The Singapore health ministry stated that it only provides updates when a clear increase in infections is observed. Officials suggested that the rise in cases may be due to waning immunity among the population. However, there is currently no evidence indicating that the circulating strains are more transmissible or cause more severe illness.
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Covid-19 Activity Intensifies Across Asia
The resurgence of Covid-19 is not limited to Hong Kong and Singapore. Throughout Asia, infection rates have been climbing for several months, with intermittent waves of transmission continuing to affect various regions. Health authorities across the continent are urging the public to stay current with their vaccinations, particularly high-risk individuals who are advised to receive booster doses.
Unlike many other seasonal viruses that tend to diminish during the warmer months, the recent rise in Covid-19 cases during the summer underlines the virus’s persistent transmissibility. In related developments, Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the postponement of his scheduled concerts in Taiwan. His diagnosis was confirmed via an announcement on his official Weibo social media account.
Meanwhile, China is reportedly experiencing a new Covid-19 wave expected to approach the scale of last summer’s surge. According to Bloomberg, the country’s test positivity rate more than doubled over the five-week period ending May 4.
Thailand has also recorded two major Covid-19 outbreaks in 2024. The Department of Disease Control attributed the latest spike to mass gatherings during April’s Songkran festival, a national celebration that draws large crowds. As cases rise once again across the region, health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations and precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection and limit the spread of the virus.
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