Covid-19 is showing troubling signs of resurgence across parts of Asia, with health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore warning of a significant rise in infections, according to a report by Bloomberg.
In Hong Kong, health officials have confirmed that the virus is actively circulating among the city’s 7 million residents. Albert Ou, head of the infectious diseases branch at the Center for Health Protection, stated that “the virus’s activity is currently quite high.” Laboratory data backs this up, with the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 now at its highest level in 2024.
The resurgence is not just about positive tests severe cases and deaths have also climbed. In the week ending May 3, 31 deaths were reported, marking the highest weekly toll in a year. While infection numbers have not yet reached the peaks seen in previous years, widespread community transmission is straining public health resources.
Across the South China Sea, Singapore is facing a parallel crisis. The Ministry of Health has recorded a 28% surge in weekly cases, with 14,200 infections estimated during the same week to May 3. More concerning is a nearly 30% increase in daily hospitalizations, raising fears of overburdened healthcare systems if the trend continues.
Both cities are urging vigilance as Covid-19 reasserts its presence in crowded urban centers, emphasizing the need for personal protection and prompt medical attention. While vaccinations and prior immunity may offer some protection, the fresh surge is a stark reminder that the pandemic threat still lingers and complacency could carry a high cost.
