By: Isuru Parakrama
May 16, World (LNW): Several countries across Southeast Asia are currently facing a renewed upswing in COVID-19 infections, with Hong Kong and Singapore amongst the most affected, amid concerns of a broader regional resurgence, Independent reported.
The latest trends point to a significant increase in cases, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and public health messaging.
In Hong Kong, recent data from public health officials has shown that the territory is now contending with a fresh wave of COVID-19. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus has climbed notably, rising from 1.7 per cent in mid-March to over 11 per cent by early May.
This figure surpasses the levels observed during the previous high point in August last year. According to experts at the Centre for Health Protection, the level of virus circulation is now considered “very high”, with infection rates hitting their most elevated point in a year.
Dr Albert Au, a leading figure at the Centre’s Communicable Disease Branch, has confirmed that COVID-19 activity has intensified considerably, suggesting that community transmission is accelerating.
The authorities have not issued new restrictions yet, but they are encouraging the public to adopt preventive measures such as mask-wearing in crowded spaces and getting booster vaccinations where eligible.
Singapore has also witnessed a concerning rise in estimated COVID-19 cases. In a rare update—the first in nearly twelve months—the Ministry of Health reported a near 30 per cent week-on-week increase, with 14,200 infections estimated for the week ending 3 May.
This sharp spike has led to a corresponding increase in hospital admissions, which have gone up by approximately 30 per cent. Nonetheless, health authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the dominant virus strains circulating in the country are either more contagious or more virulent than earlier variants.
Officials attribute the surge primarily to declining immunity within the population rather than the emergence of new, aggressive strains. Genetic sequencing has identified two main subvariants—LF.7 and NB.1.8—both offshoots of the previously dominant JN.1 lineage. These now account for the majority of the newly sequenced cases in the city-state.
In line with its adjusted surveillance strategy, Singapore now only publishes COVID-19 updates when a substantial increase in cases is observed. Despite the rise in hospitalisations, the Ministry has assured the public that the healthcare system remains stable and capable of managing the current burden.
Elsewhere in the region, mainland China is also experiencing a noticeable increase in infections, with current levels approaching the heights seen during the summer of 2024. Meanwhile, Thailand has reported growing clusters of new cases, particularly following large gatherings and celebrations held during the Songkran festival in April.
The spike in cases is thought to have been fuelled by close-contact events and relaxed preventive practices during the national holiday period.
Health experts across the region are urging the public not to become complacent and to maintain a cautious approach as the situation unfolds.
