COVID cases rise in Singapore and Hong Kong: Important things to know about the new variant
More than 5 years after COVID-19 pandemic was declared a global pandemic, the world has continued to navigate the virus' existence, in varying capacities throughout the world. While the general opinion is that world over, people have attained immunity to the virus (since everyone has got it at some point, though they may not know it), new cases continue to rise intermittently, raising some concerns.
Singapore and Hong Kong see cases
Recently, Singapore and Hong Kong have recently reported a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. This new wave has raised concerns among health authorities and the public alike. Let's find out more...
What does data say?
In early May 2025, Singapore saw a significant increase in COVID-19 infections. The number of cases jumped from around 11,100 in the last week of April.to about 14,200 cases in the first week of May-a 28% rise in just one week.
Hospitalizations also increased by roughly 30% during this period. Similarly, Hong Kong is experiencing its highest COVID-19 activity in a year, with a rising number of severe cases and deaths reported.
The city recorded 31 COVID-related deaths in the week ending May 3, marking a one-year high.
Quick spread
Both cities are densely populated, which helps explain why the virus is spreading quickly. Additionally, sewage surveillance in both places has detected high levels of the virus, confirming widespread community transmission.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan
Get Quote
Undo
Is it a new variant?
The current surge is mainly driven by new variants related to the Omicron JN.1 strain. In Singapore, two descendants of JN.1 called LF.7 and NB.1.8 are responsible for more than two-thirds of the cases. These variants are also the basis for the latest COVID-19 vaccines available in Singapore, although these newer vaccines are not yet available in some countries like India.
Hong Kong is also seeing a rise in cases linked to Omicron JN.1 variants, contributing to the increased virus activity and hospitalizations.
More dangerous variants?
According to health authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong, there is currently no evidence that these new variants spread more easily or cause more severe illness compared to previous strains. The symptoms remain generally mild to moderate but can still disrupt daily life and strain healthcare systems due to the sheer number of infections.
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms associated with the new variants are currently evolving, but some common ones include:
Cough and sore throat
Fatigue and muscle aches
Nasal congestion and sneezing
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Conjunctivitis (eye irritation)
Interestingly, loss of taste or smell, which was common in earlier COVID-19 strains, is now less frequent with these variants.
Why the sudden wave?
Experts attribute the surge mainly to waning immunity in the population. Over time, protection from previous infections or vaccinations decreases, allowing the virus to spread more easily. This is especially true for high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.
Seasonal factors may also play a role, as some respiratory viruses tend to spread more in certain weather conditions.
Additionally, increased social gatherings and travel contribute to transmission.
Closely monitoring
Both Singapore and Hong Kong governments are closely monitoring the situation. Singapore's Ministry of Health has urged high-risk groups to get booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to strengthen their immunity. They also recommend continuing basic precautions like wearing masks in crowded places, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when feeling unwell.
Hong Kong's health officials are similarly alert, emphasizing testing, isolation of positive cases, and vaccination campaigns to control the spread.
Should we be worried?
While the rise in cases in Singapore and Hong Kong is concerning, experts say that the risk of a severe wave in countries with high vaccination rates and prior exposure to COVID-19 is low. Mild infections resembling common cold or flu are more likely, but vulnerable groups should remain cautious.
Countries like India have been advised to stay vigilant but not panic. Following proven safety measures and ensuring booster vaccinations for at-risk populations remain key strategies.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Get vaccinated: Vaccines continue to protect against severe illness.
Wear masks in crowded or indoor places: This reduces the chance of catching or spreading the virus.
Practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap or use sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with sick people: If you feel unwell, stay home and seek medical advice.
Stay informed: Follow updates from reliable health authorities about local COVID-19 trends and guidelines.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
Overlapping symptoms make Cov diagnosis difficult without tests
Kolkata: The overriding symptoms of Covid during the current surge were a low-grade, persistent fever, along with a mild cough, which could be deceptive, warned doctors. While it made a vast majority ignore the symptoms and take over-the-counter medicines, for some, the fever refused to subside. It was the continuing fever that led many to consult physicians. Most of those testing Covid positive on admission to hospitals for other ailments were also screened at hospitals due to their fever. Covid cases have been rising in Bengal over the past week. The state logged 319 cases in the past seven days, taking the number of active cases to 331 on Monday. Unlike the first three waves, when Covid came with loss of smell and taste, accompanied by high fever, severe cough and pneumonia, the symptoms of the current spike were muted and flu-like, said doctors. With a runny nose and a sore throat, symptoms in most were milder than that during the pandemic, said CMRI pulmonology director Raja Dhar. "Mild symptoms led many to ignore it, which could be risky at a time, when cases are proliferating. One should get tested, and if the result turns positive, the patient should isolate, especially if there are elders in the family. Screening should be stricter for elderly people with comorbidities, and if the fever and cough persist beyond four to five days, hospitalization is advised as symptoms could worsen quickly," said Dhar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo CMRI has seven Covid patients admitted. Manipal Hospitals infectious diseases physician Sayan Chakrabarty agreed. "The symptoms are flu-like, but for some, the fever persists. Those patients are getting tested, and many tested positive. While severe cases have been rare so far, rising numbers could lead to a spurt," he added. Five Covid patients, admitted to Manipal's different units, have been discharged. Covid pneumonia has been rare this time, said Charnock Hospital pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta. "Most patients have a cough and low fever. Even the elders in hospital who tested positive have muted Covid symptoms. Most are being treated for their comorbidities. During the pandemic, a vast majority of senior citizens had severe Covid symptoms, including pneumonia," said Sengupta. Dhar pointed out that the Jn.1 variant of the Omicron, now believed to be in circulation, was highly transmissible though less virulent. "But it is safe to isolate yourself for five days on testing positive and take symptomatic drugs. Symptoms are likely to remain mild till this wave blows over in about a fortnight. But even mild Covid may aggravate comorbidities, especially those related to lungs," he said.
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is?
Amid fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, a team of US researchers has developed a new type of mRNA vaccine that is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1. While the currently available mRNA vaccines are highly effective at inducing an immune response against Covid , they present challenges like the high amount of mRNA needed to produce them and the constantly evolving nature of the pathogen. "The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. To address these challenges, the researchers created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine using what's known as a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pare a neuropatia: descubra como NeuroFit Undo In this approach, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence -- the latter of which can be produced in advance, saving crucial time in the event a new vaccine must be developed urgently and produced at scale. In addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities, rendering what's known as a "consensus spike protein" as the basis for the vaccine's antigen. Live Events In mice, the vaccine induced a robust immune response against many strains of SARS-CoV-2. "This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi. "Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine." The study, published in the journal npj Vaccines could inform more efficient vaccine development for other constantly evolving RNA viruses with pandemic potential, Kuchipudi said.
Economic Times
34 minutes ago
- Economic Times
New Covid vaccine developed by USA researchers is ready to fight Coronavirus. How effective it is?
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Amid fresh surge in Covid-19 cases, a team of US researchers has developed a new type of mRNA vaccine that is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and H5N1. While the currently available mRNA vaccines are highly effective at inducing an immune response against Covid , they present challenges like the high amount of mRNA needed to produce them and the constantly evolving nature of the pathogen."The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," said senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public address these challenges, the researchers created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine using what's known as a "trans-amplifying" mRNA this approach, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence -- the latter of which can be produced in advance, saving crucial time in the event a new vaccine must be developed urgently and produced at addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities, rendering what's known as a "consensus spike protein" as the basis for the vaccine's mice, the vaccine induced a robust immune response against many strains of SARS-CoV-2."This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi."Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine."The study, published in the journal npj Vaccines could inform more efficient vaccine development for other constantly evolving RNA viruses with pandemic potential, Kuchipudi said.
