Covid-19 cases rising: What's behind the sudden spike in Asia?
Over the last few weeks, Covid-19 cases have surged in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. While populations in these countries are witnessing increased hospitalisations, India sees a 'mild' uptick.According to health officials quoted by PTI, India stands at 257 cases and is monitoring the situation with increased vigilance."As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality,' said an official.advertisement
SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES IN ASIAHong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and even China have reported an increase in Covid-19 cases over the last few weeks because of various factors.According to Singapore's health ministry, the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, rose to 14,200 cases, compared to 11,100 cases in the previous week.Over the same period, the average daily Covid-19 hospitalisations rose from 102 to 133, but the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases decreased from three to two cases."The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases," a report by Singapore's health ministry mentioned.
India stands at 257 cases and is monitoring the situation with increased vigilance. ()
advertisementIn Thailand, cases spiked to 33,030 between May 11 and May 17, with at least 6,000 cases in Bangkok, according to the Department of Disease Control.Similarly, in Hong Kong, there was an increase of Covid-19 cases from 6.21% to 13.66% in just four weeks (April 6 to 12)."After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of Covid-19 in every six to nine months," said Dr. Edwin Tsui, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection.Between March 31 and May 4, the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 in China went up, according to data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Among patients with flu-like symptoms visiting clinics and emergency rooms, the positivity rate rose from 7.5% to 16.2%. For those admitted to hospitals, it increased from 3.3% to 6.3%.
In Thailand, cases spiked to 33,030 between May 11 and May 17, with at least 6,000 cases in Bangkok. (Photo: Reuters)
In Thailand, the XEC variant, a strain of Omicron, has led to an uptick in cases. This could to attributed to the Songkran holiday period (April 13 to April 15)during which case numbers steadily increased.advertisementWHAT IS CAUSING THE SPIKE?As per Singapore health authorities, the rise in cases is attributed to waning immunity in the population and the spread of new variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8, descendants of the JN.1 variant which emerged in 2024.This means that protection from previous infections or vaccinations is gradually decreasing over time.Due to this, the virus can spread more easily, particularly among high-risk groups like those above 65. Besides this, seasonal factors, increased social gatherings, and travel could also contribute to the surge."At present, LF.7 and NB.1.8 (both descendants of the JN.1 variant) are the main COVID-19 variants circulating in Singapore, together accounting for more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. JN.1 is also the variant used in the formulation of the current Covid-19 vaccine," Singapore's health ministry report read.However, in India there's no official confirmation of the JN.1 spread.Health authorities in Hong Kong said that Covid-19 has evolved into an endemic disease with a "periodic pattern."
The rise in cases is attributed to waning immunity in the population and the spread of new variants. ()
advertisement"Taking into account local and global epidemiological data in recent years, the CHP is of the view that Covid-19 has evolved into an endemic disease with a periodic pattern. According to the CHP's analysis, the active periods are associated with the changes in the predominant circulating strains and declining herd immunity in Hong Kong," Dr. Tsui said in a statement.Hong Kong also cited "declining herd immunity".In Singapore, many people getting treated for Covid symptoms haven't had a booster shot in over a year. A similar trend could be happening in other countries too.WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN INDIA?The current situation of Covid-19 in India remains under control.A review meeting of experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central government hospitals was convened under the chairpersonship of Director General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday.A source told PTI that the Health Ministry remains "vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely," and appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.Trending Reel
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