Hong Kong /Singapore, May 16 – COVID-19 infections are surging in Hong Kong and Singapore as a new wave of the now-endemic virus spreads across Asia, prompting health authorities to issue fresh warnings and urge at-risk populations to stay updated with vaccinations.
In Hong Kong, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for COVID-19 has reached its highest level in a year, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Center for Health Protection. The number of severe cases, including deaths, climbed to 31 in the week ending May 3, also a yearly high.
Data also shows a rising viral load in sewage, along with an uptick in COVID-related medical consultations and hospitalizations, underscoring active community transmission in the city of over 7 million.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s health ministry issued its first formal update on COVID-19 cases in nearly a year, reporting a 28% increase in infections to 14,200 during the week through May 3. Daily hospitalizations rose around 30% over the same period.
The ministry said the uptick may be linked to waning immunity in the population but emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting current variants are more transmissible or cause more severe illness than those circulating earlier in the pandemic. Singapore has shifted to an as-needed reporting model and now issues updates only when a significant surge is detected.
Regional Impact
The spike in two of Asia’s key financial centers comes amid broader signs of resurgence across the region. Health authorities have warned that COVID-19 remains unpredictable, with waves of infection now a periodic feature of its endemic phase.
Unlike influenza and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, COVID-19 is resurging as much of the northern hemisphere enters summer, suggesting the virus retains its ability to cause widespread illness regardless of temperature.
In mainland China, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the COVID test positivity rate more than doubled among hospital patients over a five-week period ending May 4. The data suggests the country is on track to reach levels last seen during the summer wave of 2023.
Thailand’s Department of Disease Control also reported two significant cluster outbreaks this year, with infections rising after April’s Songkran festival, a major national holiday that draws large crowds and widespread travel.
High-Profile Case
In a sign that the virus continues to affect public life, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan later this week, according to a post on the concert’s official Weibo account.
Health authorities across the region are urging people, especially those in high-risk categories, to stay current with booster doses and remain vigilant as the virus continues to circulate.
