The number of Covid-19 cases is on the rise in various parts of Asia, with reports of increases in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand.
In Hong Kong, health officials have noted a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases, leading to concerns of a new wave of infections. According to data released by the Centre for Health Protection, the infection rate has risen from 1.7% in mid-March to 11.4% currently, surpassing the peak recorded in August 2024. The proportion of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus has also reached its highest level in a year.
Similarly, Singapore has seen a 28% increase in estimated Covid-19 cases to 14,200 for the week ending May 3 compared to the previous week. Daily hospitalizations have also risen by about 30%, according to the health ministry. However, health officials in Singapore have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.
The resurgence of Covid-19 cases in both Hong Kong and Singapore is believed to be due to waning immunity rather than the presence of more severe or transmissible variants. Health officials in both regions are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to control the spread of the virus.
