- Asia Faces Covid Resurgence as Infections Rise in Multiple Countries.
- Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand Report Rising COVID-19 Cases.
- COVID-19 Rebounds in Asia, Prompting Booster Urges and Warnings.
Hong Kong is recording a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases. The Centre for Health Protection said the respiratory sample positivity rate has hit a 12-month high, suggesting increasing community transmission. During the week up to May 3, 31 severe cases were reported — the greatest number of weekly cases since more than a year ago.
Wastewater surveillance also suggests a strong rise in viral load, triggering renewed public health interest, reports The Nation.
Entertainment Sector Affected
The spread has impacted beyond the healthcare sector. Eason Chan, a top singer, cancelled a show in Taiwan after falling victim to the virus, generating more public awareness for the re-emerging risk and the need for sustained watchfulness.
Singapore Sees 28% Jump in Weekly Cases
Singapore’s Ministry of Health announced a 28% rise in Covid-19 cases for the week up to May 3, totalling around 14,200 infections. Hospitalisations also jumped by 30%.
This is the first time Singapore has produced such precise numbers in almost a year, indicating increasing alarm from the government. No new strains have appeared; authorities blame the increases on falling immunity from low booster rates.
The authorities are now calling on high-risk individuals, especially the older and chronically ill, to take their booster doses quickly.
China Sees Doubling of Hospital Positivity Rates
In China, the China CDC reported that positive test rates in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4. This trend is considered a precursor to a broader outbreak, similar to the wave experienced during the previous summer. Public health officials are on high alert and encouraging vaccination to mitigate the potential impact.
Thailand Faces Post-Festival Spike
Thailand has also experienced a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases after the Songkran festival in April, a time characterised by mass gatherings. The Department of Disease Control reported two major outbreaks in a matter of months, pushing calls for booster shots, particularly among vulnerable groups.
India Remains Stable but Watchful
India, at least to date, has not evidenced a new wave. Only 93 active cases were reported across the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Yet Indian public health officials are keeping watch, seeing the regional rebound as a warning against complacency.
Summer Wave Defies Seasonal Assumptions
The surge defies early predictions that Covid-19 would fade in hot weather, as happens with seasonal flu.
The surge in several Asian nations indicates that COVID-19 is a year-round concern, which necessitates continued watchfulness and the timely administration of booster doses.
New Steps to Prevent Spread
To counter the new threat, the impacted nations are:
- Reactivating data-sharing mechanisms
- Boosting public health messaging
- Increasing vaccination campaigns
These measures are meant to avert large-scale outbreaks and cut the workload on healthcare infrastructure as the virus continues to mutate.
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Source: The Nation
