Photo by Ketut Subiyanto
Health officials in Hong Kong and Singapore are raising concerns over a renewed surge in COVID-19 cases, marking a regional uptick in infections as the virus continues to circulate across Asia.
In Hong Kong, authorities report that COVID-19 transmission is at its highest level in a year. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Center for Health Protection, stated that the city is experiencing “quite high” viral activity. Positive test rates among respiratory samples have surged, accompanied by a sharp increase in severe cases and deaths — 31 in the week ending May 3 — the most reported in roughly a year. Additional indicators such as rising viral loads in sewage and increased COVID-related hospital visits suggest widespread community transmission in the densely populated city of over 7 million.
Singapore is also grappling with a spike in infections. The Ministry of Health released its first case update in nearly a year, noting that estimated weekly cases rose by 28% to 14,200 in the week ending May 3. Hospital admissions also jumped by about 30%. The ministry clarified that the rise is not due to more severe or transmissible variants but may be linked to waning immunity in the population. Singapore, which now provides updates only during significant surges, has encouraged residents — especially high-risk groups — to stay up to date with booster vaccinations.
The new wave across Asia underscores COVID-19’s ongoing threat, even in warmer months. Unlike typical respiratory viruses that peak during colder seasons, the current summer surge highlights the virus’s capacity to spread year-round.
Mainland China is also seeing a rise in infections. Data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the country could face another summer peak, with COVID-19 test positivity rates more than doubling at hospitals nationwide over the five weeks leading up to May 4.
In Thailand, two notable clusters have emerged in 2025, with case numbers climbing after April’s Songkran festival — an annual event known for attracting large gatherings and travel.
Amid this resurgence, health authorities across the region are urging people to remain vigilant, renew their vaccinations, and take precautions where necessary. The public was reminded of COVID-19’s continued impact when Hong Kong pop icon Eason Chan tested positive and was forced to cancel upcoming concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, according to a statement posted on Chinese social media platform Weibo.
With the virus now considered endemic, Asia’s experience highlights how COVID-19 continues to ebb and flow — and the importance of preparedness even in post-pandemic times.
