New Covid-19 wave grips Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Thailand
Covid-19 has quietly re-emerged as a growing concern in parts of Asia, notably Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand, with a sharp rise in infections and severe cases.
According to Thansettakij, the Covid situation in Hong Kong is once again under close scrutiny. The Centre for Health Protection reported that the rate of positive results in respiratory samples has reached its highest level in over a year.
In the week ending May 3, there were 31 severe cases reported—a 12-month peak. Additionally, wastewater surveillance has revealed a marked increase in viral concentration, indicating that community transmission is expanding.
Beyond the healthcare system, the entertainment industry has also felt the impact of this new wave. Prominent Hong Kong singer Eason Chan cancelled his concert in Taiwan after contracting Covid-19, further raising public awareness of the lingering risks and the ongoing importance of maintaining health precautions.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health revealed that Covid-19 cases in the week ending May 3 rose by 28%, reaching approximately 14,200. Hospital admissions due to the virus also increased by about 30%.
Notably, this marks the first time in nearly a year that the Singaporean government has released official figures in this manner—an action typically reserved for situations considered particularly concerning.
Despite the increase, Singapore has not identified any new, more severe variants. Authorities believe the primary cause is waning immunity among the population, following a prolonged period without booster vaccinations or exposure to the virus.
As a result, the government is urgently advising high-risk groups—especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions—to receive booster shots as soon as possible.
A similar trend has been observed in China and Thailand. The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) reported that positive test rates in hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4. This is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer.
In Thailand, a resurgence of Covid-19 followed the Songkran festival in April, which involved widespread gatherings and is believed to have accelerated transmission. The Department of Disease Control confirmed that the country has experienced two significant outbreaks within just a few months this year.
Consequently, Thai public health authorities are now urging people—especially those in high-risk groups—to get booster vaccinations without delay.
Meanwhile, India has not yet shown signs of a new outbreak. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported only 93 active cases nationwide, with no clear evidence of a resurgence at present.
However, Indian public health experts are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the outbreaks in neighbouring Asian countries serve as a reminder that over-relaxation of measures can quickly lead to a shift in the situation.
The resurgence of Covid-19 during the summer is cause for concern, as it contradicts earlier assumptions that the virus would behave similarly to seasonal flu, which typically subsides in warmer months.
The rising case numbers in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand suggest that the pandemic is not over. Covid-19 continues to pose a threat to public health systems, particularly if preventive measures are relaxed.
In response, several countries are now re-establishing close data-sharing practices, strengthening public health communications, and intensifying campaigns to ensure widespread booster vaccination in a bid to prevent broader outbreaks.
