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RTHK
29-05-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Covid to drop to lower level in a month or two: CHP
Covid to drop to lower level in a month or two: CHP Health authorities say various indicators, including the number of Covid patients seeking help, have shown that coronavirus activity has dropped. File photo: AFP Health authorities on Thursday said Covid activity in Hong Kong appears to be declining from its peak, but that it would take "a month or two" before reaching a lower level. The Centre for Health Protection said the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the coronavirus and the viral load in sewage samples have gone down in the week ending on May 24, compared to the period between May 11 and 17. The number of patients seeking medical help for Covid also dropped, the centre said in a statement. But the centre's controller, Edwin Tsui, noted that coronavirus activity would remain "relatively high" in the meantime. "Hong Kong has experienced an upsurge in Covid-19 cases since April this year, more than half a year after the last increase in July and August of last year. The current active period is expected," he said. "Although the activity of Covid-19 has started to decline, with reference to previous data, we expect that it will remain at a relatively high level in the short term, and will take a month or two to gradually decline to a lower level." Tsui noted XDV and variants descended from it, including NB.1.8.1, have become the most prevalent strains in the SAR, according to genetic analysis. NB1.8.1 has been assigned as one of the "variants under monitoring" by the World Health Organization, but the body suggested that the risk it posed was low. To that, Tsui said Covid vaccines currently used in Hong Kong "can effectively prevent infection and severe disease", while urging high-risk individuals to "not take this lightly" and get inoculated with a booster shot.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Is Covid back? Here's what authorities in India, Hong Kong, and Singapore say as cases go up
Covid-19 cases in Asia have seen a surge in recent weeks, with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand being the most affected. After the years of the pandemic, in which the world almost came to a standstill, the big question is whether Covid is back again. India has remained largely unaffected by the recent surge in cases, with the government maintaining that the situation is under control. – Covid cases in India: As per the data from the ministry of health and family welfare, India reported 164 cases since May 12 and the total number of active Covid infections in the country stood at 257 on Tuesday. Kerala reported the highest number of cases at 69, followed by Maharashtra at 44 and Tamil Nadu at 34. – Review meet held in India: Experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research, and central government hospitals held a review meeting on Monday under the chairpersonship of the director general of health services. "The meeting concluded that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control. As of May 19, 2025, the number of active Covid-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required," an official told PTI. –2 Covid deaths in Mumbai, sources say: Mumbai's KEM Hospital reported two Covid-19 positive deaths, both patients having underlying serious health conditions, according to sources cited in a PTI news agency report. "One patient had oral cancer, while the other suffered from nephrotic syndrome. Both the deaths were attributed to their pre-existing conditions rather than Covid-19." ANI quoted sources. HT could not independently verify the report. – Hong Kong and Singapore Covid-19 cases: While there is an uptick in cases in Southeast Asian countries, the Covid still seems to be in check. Authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have urged caution but have also said that these waves were expected. The Singapore ministry of health and the communicable diseases agency said that the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200 for the week of April 27 to May 3, rising from the previous week's figure of 11,100, the Straits Times reported. "After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of Covid-19 every six to nine months. We expect the activity level of Covid-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks,' the controller of Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection, Edwin Tsui, said in a press release. Last week, Singapore's health minister, Ong Ye Kung, had posted on Facebook that periodic Covid-19 waves are "expected throughout the year". – South Korea: Meanwhile, the South Korea's Disease Control and Prevention Agency extended its seasonal Covid vaccination period last month by two months, until the end of June. It advised people aged 65 and above to get inoculated with the JN.1 shot from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New JN.1 Covid variant cases surge in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand: Should India be worried?
Officials meet to assess preparedness Live Events Neighbours see significant increases New variants driving spread Immunity is waning, say officials India remains cautious, not complacent (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As several Asian countries witness a sharp uptick in Covid-19 cases, Indian health authorities have said the situation at home remains 'under control', with only a slight rise in some to officials quoted by PTI, India reported 257 active cases as of 19 May 2025. 'As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality,' an official said. The central government is closely monitoring the developments and has increased health surveillance nationwide.A review meeting was held in New Delhi on Monday. It was chaired by the Director General of Health Services and included senior experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and major central government concluded that while the region is seeing a surge, 'the number of cases seen until Monday was very low considering the large population of the country.' They also confirmed that almost all cases in India have been mild and did not require hospitalisation.'A robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid-19, also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR,' an official latest Covid-19 wave sweeping across Southeast Asia has led to alarming case numbers. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health reported 14,200 cases in the week of 27 April to 3 May 2025, up from 11,100 the previous week. Hospitalisations rose too, from 102 to 133 per day. However, the number of intensive care patients dropped from three to two daily.'The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases,' the Singapore Health Ministry stated in its has seen a bigger jump. Between 11 and 17 May, the country reported 33,030 new infections, with over 6,000 of them in Bangkok alone. According to the Department of Disease Control, this surge was likely fuelled by holiday travel during Songkran, the Thai New Year, held from 13 to 15 Hong Kong, test positivity rates more than doubled in four weeks — from 6.21% to 13.66% between early and mid-April. '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, Controller of the Centre for Health mainland China reported an increase between 31 March and 4 May. The Chinese CDC noted a jump in Covid positivity among patients with flu-like symptoms, rising from 7.5% to 16.2%. Among hospitalised patients, the rate nearly doubled — from 3.3% to 6.3%.Health experts point to the spread of new Omicron-related variants as a major factor behind the resurgence. Singapore has confirmed that LF.7 and NB.1.8 — both sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant — now account for more than two-thirds of all sequenced Covid cases there.'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 Ministry of Health JN.1 variant, first identified in August 2023, was classified by the World Health Organisation as a 'variant of interest' in December the same year. It is part of the Omicron BA.2.86 family and is characterised by over 30 Thailand, the XEC variant — another Omicron sub-strain — is also in circulation and may have contributed to the surge, especially during public across the region believe that immunity built from earlier vaccinations or infections is wearing off. Singaporean health authorities pointed out that many of the infected hadn't received booster shots in over a year. Seasonal factors, increased travel, and larger gatherings may also be accelerating the spread.'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,' said Dr Tsui of Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection. He added that the city now expects active Covid cycles every six to nine months, mainly due to declining herd immunity and changing has not officially confirmed any local spread of the JN.1 variant or its sub-lineages. But the government remains alert. 'The Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely,' a source told PTI. 'Appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.'For now, there's no sign of a significant domestic surge. But the global rise in cases has served as a reminder — the pandemic's grip may have loosened, but it hasn't vanished.
Mint
20-05-2025
- Health
- Mint
COVID cases in India: Why is there coronavirus surge in Singapore, Hong Kong? Should you be worried? What we know so far
The health departments of Singapore and Hong Kong last week reported an increase in COVID-19 infections, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In the wake of reports about the surge in coronavirus cases, India convened a review meeting on Monday. Should we be concerned about this current 'wave' of COVID-19? What is causing the latest surge in cases? Singapore's Ministry of Health said in a press release on 13 May that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week of 27 April to 3 May 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 hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases,' the Singapore government said. It noted that the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases decreased from three to two cases. Similarly, in Hong Kong, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus gradually increased to 13.66 percent from 6.21 percent four weeks ago (the week of April 6 to 12) — which is a record high in the past year. The authorities said COVID-19 became more active in mid-April of this year. "Based on previous statistics, we expect the activity level of COVID-19 to remain at a higher level for at least the next few weeks," the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Edwin Tsui, said. Following recent media reports of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in India convened a review meeting on Monday. Sources told news agency ANI that the meeting included experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and central government hospitals. As of 19 May 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257 — a very low figure considering the country's large population. Almost all of these cases are mild, with no hospitalisation required. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. Singapore's health ministry said the increase in cases could be due to several factors, including waning population immunity. Meanwhile, an analysis by Hong Kong's CHP revealed that the 'active periods' are associated with the changes in the predominant circulating strains and declining herd immunity in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's health department believes that COVID-19 has evolved into an 'endemic disease with a periodic pattern'. It noted, 'After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong experienced cycles of active periods of COVID-19 in every six to nine months.' Singapore's health ministry also noted that periodic COVID-19 waves are expected throughout the year. The Hong Kong authorities said in a statement on 15 May that the XDV strain of the COVID-19 virus has been circulating locally since late March this year. "In early 2024, the predominant strains circulated locally changed from XBB to JN.1; while in the third quarter of 2024, they changed from JN.1 to KP.2 and KP.3; and they have further changed to XDV since late March this year," stated a press release by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 15 May. Meanwhile, Singapore's health ministry highlighted that LF.7 and NB.1.8 (both descendants of the JN.1 variant) are the main COVID-19 variants circulating in Singapore at present. They together account 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. According to the information, cases in Singapore and Hong Kong are mostly mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality. Hong Kong's CHP said there is no evidence suggesting that XDV will cause more severe disease. Singapore's health ministry also explained that there is no indication that the variants circulating locally "are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants." Meanwhile, India's top epidemiologist, Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, told News 18 there is no need to panic unless there is evidence of an increase in hospitalisations or deaths. '...as of now, there is nothing new or alarming," Dr Raman Gangakhedkar said, adding, 'We must accept that COVID-19 has become endemic." "The only caution for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals is to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour like maintaining hand hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places," Dr Gangakhedkar said.
India Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
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' 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 means that protection from previous infections or vaccinations is gradually decreasing over 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 in India there's no official confirmation of the JN.1 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 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 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 Reel
