Virus resurges across Asia: Authorities warn of rising Covid-19 cases, urge boosters

Health authorities in densely populated Asian cities are sounding the alarm over a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping through the region.

In Hong Kong and Singapore, two of Asia’s busiest financial hubs, case numbers are climbing sharply, and the trend is being echoed in mainland China and Thailand, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media.

In Hong Kong, Covid activity is now “quite high,” according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the city’s Centre for Health Protection. Speaking to local media this week, Au revealed that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 has reached its highest point in a year. Severe cases, including deaths, have also surged, reaching 31 in the week through May 3, the most recorded in nearly a year, according to data from the Centre for Health Protection.

While the latest resurgence has not yet matched the peaks of infection seen in the past two years, health indicators are pointing toward a sustained outbreak. Covid-related medical consultations, hospitalisations, and increasing viral loads detected in sewage samples suggest the virus is actively spreading in the city of over seven million residents.

Singapore is also on heightened alert. In early May, the city-state’s Ministry of Health issued its first update on infection figures in nearly a year. The update revealed a 28% jump in estimated weekly Covid cases, rising to 14,200 in the week ending May 3 compared to the previous week, while daily hospitalisations rose by approximately 30%. Singapore has adopted a strategy of releasing case numbers only when there is a significant increase.

While the surge has raised concerns, Singapore’s health authorities noted that there is no evidence to suggest that the currently circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe illness than previous strains. They believe the increase in infections may be partly attributed to waning population immunity. Officials are urging residents to keep vaccinations up to date and advising those in high-risk groups to receive booster doses.

Elsewhere in the region, mainland China is also experiencing a renewed uptick. Data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the country is on course to reach Covid positivity levels not seen since last summer’s peak. In the five weeks ending May 4, the positivity rate among patients seeking Covid diagnoses in hospitals more than doubled, a clear sign of widespread transmission.

Thailand is facing similar challenges. The country’s Department of Disease Control has reported two significant cluster outbreaks so far this year. Cases spiked following April’s Songkran festival, a traditional New Year celebration that draws large crowds and has historically contributed to respiratory virus transmission.

The regional wave of Covid has also impacted the entertainment industry. Prominent Hong Kong singer Eason Chan tested positive for the virus and was forced to cancel his scheduled concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan later this week. The announcement was made on May 15 via the concert's official account on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

This resurgence comes at a time when most of the northern hemisphere is entering summer, defying the typical seasonal behaviour of respiratory viruses, which tend to peak in colder months. Health authorities across Asia continue to monitor the evolving situation closely and are emphasising public health measures, including vaccination and awareness, as tools to manage the latest wave of infections.

By Tamilla Hasanova