New Delhi, 19 May 2025: A fresh wave of COVID-19 infections is sweeping across parts of Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore reporting significant increases in cases. Health authorities in both cities have issued alerts as hospitalizations rise and new variants circulate, raising concerns about waning immunity and the potential for further outbreaks.
Spike in Cases and Hospitalizations
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health reported a 28% increase in COVID-19 cases for the week ending May 3, 2025, with estimated infections rising to 14,200 from 11,100 the previous week. Hospital admissions due to the virus also increased by about 30% during the same period.
Hong Kong has also witnessed a sharp rise in infections. The city’s Centre for Health Protection noted that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus reached 13.66% in the week ending May 10, up from 6.21% four weeks earlier. In the same week, Hong Kong recorded 81 severe cases and 30 deaths, predominantly among elderly individuals with underlying health conditions.
Emerging Variants and Waning Immunity
Health officials attribute the surge in cases to a combination of factors, including waning immunity and the emergence of new variants. In Singapore, the dominant strains currently circulating are LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of the JN.1 variant used in the latest COVID-19 vaccines. While these variants are not believed to be more severe, their rapid spread underscores the need for continued vigilance.
Authorities in both cities emphasize that the increase in cases is not due to more transmissible or severe variants but rather the population’s reduced immunity over time. This has led to renewed calls for booster vaccinations, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Beyond Hong Kong and Singapore, other Asian countries are also experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19. China has reported a doubling of COVID-19 test positivity rates in hospitals over a five-week period leading up to May 4. Thailand has seen significant outbreaks following the Songkran festival in April, a major public holiday known for large gatherings.
In response to the rising cases, health authorities are urging the public to adhere to preventive measures such as wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when feeling unwell. Booster vaccination campaigns are being intensified to bolster immunity among vulnerable populations.
COVID-19 Spreading Again: What’s The Situation In India?
As of now, India has not reported a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently has only 93 active cases. However, health experts caution that the situation could change rapidly, and they advise continued surveillance and adherence to preventive measures.
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases across parts of Asia serves as a reminder that the pandemic is not over. While vaccines have been instrumental in reducing severe illness and death, waning immunity and the emergence of new variants necessitate ongoing vigilance. Public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the public to stay informed and adhere to recommended preventive measures.
