Hong Kong, Singapore see spike in COVID-19 cases: What it means for travellers
Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Thailand and other regions in Southeast Asia are experiencing a significant hike in COVID-19 cases. As per reports, Singapore alone has reported a 28 percent hike in cases in the last one year (with 14,200 cases recorded as of May 3, 2025).
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In China too, COVID cases are on peak and Thailand has seen a major increase following the April Songkran Festival.
So, if you are planning a trip to any of these nations, it's time to rethink your plan and if you are, it's necessary to take extra precautions.
Countries experiencing a spike in COVID-19 Cases
Hong Kong
: According to health officials, Hong Kong is facing a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections. The positivity rate for respiratory samples has increased from 1.7% in March to 11.4%.
As of now, 81 cases have been reported, with 30 fatalities. Mostly elderly individuals with underlying health conditions are being affected.
Singapore
: The dominant strains currently circulating in Singapore are 'LF.7' and 'NB.1.8', both subvariants of the JN.1 lineage. Singapore has seen a worrisome spike in COVID cases in early May. The weekly infections have gone up to 14,200 while daily hospitalisations have increased by about 30%.
China
: The number of COVID cases are going up again in China, touching the peak levels seen during last summer. The positive cases have doubled in recent weeks, as reported by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thailand
: The COVID cases have spiked in Thailand after the Songkran festival in April. The country reported two cluster outbreaks.
Time to rethink your travel?
For those planning to visit any of these nations should be fully aware of the present COVID-19 situation.
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There are many factors to consider before you plan a trip. Some important points to consider are the severity of the outbreak, personal health condition, and if there are any local travel restrictions.
If it is a non-essential trip, it's advisable to postpone your trip.
Necessary precautions to take:
Wear a mask
Avoid crowded places
Wash your hands or use sanitizer
Consider getting a booster shot
Avoid travelling if:
Elderly people, kids, people with health conditions such as cancer and diabetes must avoid travelling. It is a good thing that cases are mild, and people typically recover without any major problem.
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