Fresh COVID-19 wave hits parts of Asia

(Web Desk): COVID-19 infections are rising sharply in parts of Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore reporting significant increases in cases and hospitalisations, prompting health authorities to raise concerns over a fresh wave.

In Hong Kong, officials report that virus activity is at its highest level in a year.

Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, stated that the positivity rate for respiratory samples has surged. 31 COVID-related deaths were recorded in the week ending May 3, alongside rising hospital visits and sewage viral loads—strong indicators of widespread community transmission.

The surge in Hong Kong also affected public events, with singer Eason Chan cancelling scheduled performances in Taiwan after testing positive for the virus.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health noted a 28% rise in COVID-19 cases in the first week of May, with hospitalisations increasing by about 30%. This prompted the country’s first major COVID-19 update in nearly a year.

Officials attributed the increase to waning immunity and urged vulnerable groups to stay updated with booster doses. Authorities added there was no evidence that current variants were more transmissible or severe.

In mainland China, test positivity rates in hospitals more than doubled over a five-week period ending May 4. Thailand also reported cluster outbreaks following the annual Songkran festival in April, further highlighting regional concerns.

Despite rising trends elsewhere, India remains unaffected for now. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the country currently reports only 93 active COVID-19 cases, with no signs of a new wave.

Public health officials across the region are urging populations, especially high-risk groups, to maintain vaccine protection as a precautionary measure.