COVID-19 cases are emerging across Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore at the forefront of a new wave of infections. Despite the time of year typically seeing a decline in respiratory illnesses, health authorities in these major cities are on high alert due to a sharp increase in cases. Simultaneously, China and Thailand are also grappling with fresh outbreaks, leading to renewed public health advisories and calls for booster vaccinations, according to reports. Â
In Hong Kong, the COVID-19 positivity rate has reached its highest point in over a year. Albert Au, head of the Centre for Health Protection’s Communicable Disease Branch, noted to local media that the percentage of positive respiratory samples has surged. In the week ending May 3rd, the city recorded 31 severe COVID-19 cases, the highest weekly count in the past 12 months.
Further concerning indicators include rising viral concentrations detected in sewage samples, signaling widespread community transmission. This has translated to an increase in residents seeking medical attention at hospitals and clinics for COVID-related symptoms.
The impact has even extended to the entertainment industry, with popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan testing positive and subsequently cancelling his concerts in Taiwan, further highlighting the growing public health concern. Â
Singapore is also experiencing a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases. The Ministry of Health recently reported a 28% jump in infections for the week ending May 3rd, with an estimated 14,200 new cases. Correspondingly, COVID-related hospital admissions have risen by approximately 30% during the same period.
Notably, this marks Singapore’s first major update on COVID-19 case numbers in nearly a year, a practice the city-state typically reserves for significant outbreaks, indicating the seriousness of the current situation. Â
While the current resurgence has not yet reached the peak infection levels seen in the past two years, the increasing viral load in sewage water and the rise in medical consultations and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 strongly suggest that the virus is actively spreading within these densely populated Asian hubs. Inputs from Bangkok Post
