Covid-19 is once again spreading in many parts of Asia. Health officials in Hong Kong, Singapore, and other countries have reported a fresh wave of infections. The number of people testing positive, getting seriously sick, and going to hospitals is rising.
This increase in cases is not as big as the worst outbreaks in the past two years, but it still shows that the virus is not going away. Experts are warning people to stay alert and take precautions, especially those at high risk.
Hong Kong reports rise in severe covid cases
In Hong Kong, health officials said that the current Covid-19 activity in the city is “quite high”. Albert Au, the head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, told local media that the number of positive samples for Covid-19 is the highest since last year.
In the week leading up to May 3, Hong Kong recorded 31 severe Covid cases and several deaths. “Severe cases and death count reached their peak level,” Au said. Also, the virus was found in sewage water, which shows that it is spreading more widely in the community.
More people are visiting hospitals and clinics with Covid-like symptoms, according to the health authorities. These signs show that the virus is still active and spreading in the city, even though summer has started.
Singapore and other countries also see covid surge
Singapore is also reporting more Covid-19 cases. In fact, the country’s health ministry gave its first official update on Covid-19 cases in almost a year. During the week ending May 3, cases increased by 28% to about 14,200 compared to the week before. Hospital admissions also rose by around 30%.
Singapore’s health officials said the rise might be due to “declining immunity in the population” but added there is “no evidence that new virus strains are more infectious or lead to more serious illness.”
China is also seeing a new wave of infections. Bloomberg reported that China’s Covid test positivity rate more than doubled in five weeks through May 4. This means more people are testing positive for the virus.
Thailand also reported two major outbreaks this year. The country’s Disease Control Department said that the Songkran festival in April, which involves large crowds, led to more cases.
In Hong Kong, famous pop singer Eason Chan tested positive for Covid-19 and had to cancel his concerts in Taiwan, according to a post on his Weibo account.
Health experts across Asia are advising people to take booster shots, especially those who are elderly or have other health problems. They also said the rise in summer cases shows that Covid-19 can spread any time of year.