Is COVID-19 making a comeback in Asia? Alarming rise in cases in Hong Kong & Singapore

Health authorities in Asia are raising red flags over a new wave of COVID-19 infections, with cities like Hong Kong and Singapore witnessing noticeable spikes in cases. According to sources, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection has reported that the city's COVID-19 activity is at its highest since last year. Albert Au, who heads the agency’s Communicable Disease Branch, noted that the recent figures for hospitalizations and fatalities have peaked, with 31 severe cases recorded in the week leading up to May 3.

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The virus is also being picked up in sewage samples, while hospitals and clinics have reported a surge in patients with COVID-like symptoms. Though the current surge isn’t as large as those during the height of the pandemic, these indicators suggest that the virus is actively circulating.

In Singapore, the health ministry released its first COVID update in almost a year, highlighting a 28% jump in cases during the last week of April into early May, amounting to around 14,200 infections. Hospital admissions related to the virus also rose by 30%. While the ministry attributes this rise partly to waning immunity in the population, it clarified that there is no current evidence of new, more dangerous variants.

Across Asia, health officials are observing similar trends. In China, the COVID-19 positivity rate has more than doubled in recent weeks, signaling another wave that could rival last summer's surge. Thailand also reported two major outbreaks after April’s Songkran festival, which traditionally involves large gatherings.

Health experts are once again urging the public, especially vulnerable groups to stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters. The fact that cases are climbing even during the summer, when respiratory viruses usually decline, indicates that COVID-19 remains a persistent threat.