Covid-19 wave returns in Asia, cases increase in Hong Kong, Singapore
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The current spike in Covid cases is being attributed to waning immunity among the population, rather than to the emergence of new, more transmissible or severe variants.
A concerning resurgence of Covid-19 is unfolding across several parts of Asia, signaling a renewed public health challenge more than five years after the virus first emerged. Densely populated financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore are witnessing a marked increase in infections, while health authorities in China and Thailand are also reporting fresh outbreaks. Notably, this new wave is emerging during a time of year when respiratory illnesses typically wane.
Hong Kong Raises Alert Amid Rising Cases
In Hong Kong, a spike in severe Covid-19 cases has prompted the Centre for Health Protection to issue a public alert. Albert Au, head of the Centre’s Communicable Disease Branch, reported that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus has reached its highest point since last year.
During the week ending May 3, the city logged 31 severe cases — the highest weekly total in the past year. Elevated viral concentrations in sewage samples, along with increased hospital and clinic visits, further underscore the rise in community transmission.
The surge has affected public events as well. Celebrated Hong Kong singer Eason Chan tested positive for the virus, forcing the cancellation of his concerts in Taiwan. His diagnosis has drawn widespread attention and heightened public awareness of the growing wave.
Singapore Sees 28% Surge in Infections
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has reported a 28% increase in Covid-19 cases for the week ending May 3, with an estimated 14,200 infections. Hospital admissions rose by approximately 30% over the same period. This is the country’s first significant Covid update in nearly a year — a step typically reserved for major surges.
Officials attribute the current rise in cases primarily to waning immunity among the population, rather than the emergence of new, more transmissible or severe variants. Authorities emphasized that there is no evidence to suggest the circulating strains are more virulent. The fact that the surge is occurring during the summer — a season generally unfavorable to respiratory virus transmission — adds to concerns.
At-risk groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised, have been urged to receive booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to strengthen their immunity.
Regional Trends Point to Broader Uptick
Beyond Hong Kong and Singapore, several other Asian countries are seeing renewed Covid-19 activity. In mainland China, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention noted that test positivity rates in hospitals more than doubled over the five weeks leading up to May 4, indicating a potential wave similar to the one seen last summer.
In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control has confirmed two notable outbreaks this year. A spike in cases followed the Songkran festival in April — a major national holiday known for large gatherings and celebrations, which likely facilitated viral spread.