Several countries in Southeast Asia are facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections. Hong Kong and Singapore have reported sharp increases in cases, while China and Thailand are also seeing a rise. According to Bloomberg, this may be part of a larger regional trend.
Hong Kong Sees New Covid Surge
Health officials in Hong Kong say Covid infections are climbing fast, marking the start of another wave. Data from the Centre for Health Protection shows the test positivity rate jumped from 1.7% in March to 11.4%—even higher than the August 2024 peak.
In the past month, there were 81 severe adult cases, leading to 30 deaths, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
Albert Au, who heads the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said Covid levels are currently “quite high.” He also noted that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus is now at a one-year high.
Most severe cases are in old people. The Centre found that 83% of the serious infections involved individuals aged 65 or older, and more than 90% had pre-existing health conditions.
While the number of cases is still lower than the worst periods in recent years, other signs—like high virus levels in sewage and more hospital visits—show that Covid is spreading in Hong Kong again, Bloomberg noted.
Popular singer Eason Chan had to cancel concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after testing positive. This was announced through the event’s official Weibo page.
Singapore Also Reports Rise in Cases
Singapore, another financial hub, is also dealing with a spike in infections. The health ministry issued its first update in nearly a year after the number of weekly cases rose by 28%, reaching 14,200 in the week ending May 3. Daily hospital admissions also rose by about 30%.
Officials from the health ministry and the Communicable Diseases Agency said they are monitoring the situation closely. However, the ministry stated, “there is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.”
Singapore now provides case updates only when there is a noticeable rise. Authorities believe the main cause of the surge is waning immunity, not a more dangerous version of the virus.
The two dominant variants currently spreading in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are linked to the JN.1 strain. Together, these account for more than two-thirds of sequenced cases.
Covid Rising in China and Thailand Too
Other Asian countries are also reporting more infections. China is seeing Covid levels rise to nearly what they were during last summer’s wave. According to China’s CDC, the number of positive test results in hospitals more than doubled between late March and early May.
In Thailand, the Disease Control Department reported two cluster outbreaks this year. Many new infections happened after April’s Songkran festival, which involves large gatherings and celebrations.
Why Are Cases Going Up? Should You Be Worried?
One reason for the rise in cases appears to be weakening immunity. Channel News Asia reports that many people are skipping booster shots, especially in Singapore.
Dr. Lim Kim Show, medical director at Life Family Clinic, told the outlet that most Covid patients visiting his clinic had not received a vaccine in the last one or two years.
Singapore’s health ministry confirmed that immunity may be dropping. However, it added there is “no sign that the current variants are spreading faster or causing more serious illness compared to those seen earlier during the pandemic.”
So, is there reason to worry? For now, doctors say the situation is manageable. According to CNA, most infected people are recovering quickly, and symptoms are mild—similar to the common flu.
Still, those at higher risk, such as the people with health issues, are advised to be cautious. Health officials in Singapore suggest getting a booster shot about one year after the previous dose.
Authorities also recommend simple safety measures like handwashing, staying home when feeling sick, and wearing masks in crowded areas—especially in places with rising cases.
