New Covid-19 wave spreads in Asia, infections rise in Hong Kong and Singapore

Health officials in Hong Kong and Singapore have warned about a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases as a new wave is spreading across many parts of Asia, Bloomberg reported.

Albert Au, the head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, told local media that Covid-19 activity in the city is now "quite high."

The number of respiratory samples that proved positive for Covid-19 was at its peak last year. Severe cases and death count reached their peak level, with 31 severe cases noted in the week up to May 3.

While this present spike is not as big as the largest outbreaks during the previous two years, other indicators show the virus is spreading. There were more Covid-19 detected in sewage water, and more people are going to hospitals and clinics with symptoms of Covid.

COVID CASES SURGE IN SINGAPORE

Singapore, another crowded city in Asia, is also reporting more cases of Covid. The health ministry of the country reported its first update on cases in nearly a year this May. The cases of Covid increased by 28% to around 14,200 during the week ending May 3 from the previous week. The cases of hospital admissions due to Covid increased by around 30%.

Singapore reports case numbers only if there is a definite rise. The health ministry indicated that the increase may be a reflexion of declining immunity in the population but had no evidence that new virus strains are more infectious and lead to more serious illness.

COVID CASES INCREASE IN ASIA

All over Asia, Covid infections have been increasing for months with waves of infection recurring from time to time. Health authorities are reminding everyone to take their vaccinations, particularly for those at increased risk who should receive booster shots.

The recent surge in Covid cases in summer when other viruses typically become weaker shows that Covid will remain contagious even in the summer.

Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan was found to be Covid-positive and had to postpone his Taiwan concerts, said his official social media account on Weibo.

Bloomberg reported that China is also experiencing a new wave of Covid, which is projected to approach last summer's peak. The Covid test positivity rate amongst the people of China has more than doubled over the five weeks through May 4.

Two major Covid outbreaks were reported this year by Thailand's Department of Disease Control, with cases increasing following the Songkran festival last April, which brings people together in crowds.