Covid-19 rears its head again, cases spike in Hong Kong and Singapore
Covid-19 update: Health officials in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings about a noticeable uptick in Covid-19 cases, signaling a fresh wave of the virus across several Asian regions.
In Hong Kong, the activity of the virus has surged to a "quite high" level, according to Dr Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city’s Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 has recently hit its highest level in a year, signaling active community transmission.
Severe cases, including fatalities, have also risen, with 31 critical cases recorded in the week ending May 3, the highest weekly total in approximately 12 months. The authorities are further concerned about increased viral loads in sewage samples and a spike in Covid-related hospital visits and consultations—indicators that the virus is spreading widely through the city of over 7 million people.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, the health authorities have sounded the alarm as well. The city-state's Ministry of Health published its first Covid-19 update in nearly a year, revealing a 28% rise in estimated weekly cases to 14,200 for the week ending May 3. Daily hospitalisations rose by approximately 30%, prompting renewed public awareness efforts. The ministry noted that while immunity may be waning, there’s no evidence that current variants are more transmissible or severe than those seen during the height of the pandemic.
Across Asia, a regional rise in Covid-19 cases has become evident in recent months, reinforcing that the virus, though now endemic, continues to cycle in periodic waves. Health officials have reiterated calls for the public to stay up to date on vaccinations, particularly urging booster shots for vulnerable groups.
This resurgence is also notable for occurring as much of the northern hemisphere moves into summer—a reminder that Covid-19 does not conform to traditional seasonal patterns of respiratory viruses.
Adding to public attention, popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan has tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the cancellation of his upcoming concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, according to an official statement on Chinese platform Weibo.
In China, the virus is also on an upward trend. Data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the positivity rate for Covid-19 tests more than doubled among hospital-diagnosed patients over the five weeks leading up to May 4, signaling a wave that may match last summer’s peak.
Thailand has reported two recent Covid cluster outbreaks, with numbers rising notably after the annual Songkran Festival in April, a traditional celebration known to draw large crowds.
- With inputs from agencies
