New Covid-19 Wave Spreads In Southeast Asia

Health authorities in densely-populated Hong Kong and Singapore have warned that Covid-19 cases are spiking as a resurgent wave spreads through Southeast Asia.

Albert Au, the head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, told local media that Covid-19 activity in the city is now "quite high." The number of respiratory samples that proved positive for Covid-19 was at its peak since last year. Severe cases and death count reached their peak level, with 31 severe cases noted in the week up to May 3.

Singapore, another crowded city in Asia, is also reporting a rise in Covid-19 cases. The health ministry of the country reported its first update on cases in nearly a year this May. The cases of Covid-19 increased by 28% to around 14,200 during the week ending May 3 from the previous week. The cases of hospital admissions due to Covid-19 increased by around 30%.

Media reported that China is also experiencing a new wave of Covid, which is projected to approach last summer's peak. The Covid test positivity rate amongst the people of China has more than doubled over the five weeks through May 4.

Two major Covid outbreaks were reported this year by Thailand's Department of Disease Control, with cases increasing following the Songkran festival last April, which brings people together in crowds.

All over South Asia, Covid-19 infections have been increasing for months with waves of infection recurring from time to time. Health authorities are reminding everyone to take their vaccinations, particularly those at increased risk who should receive booster shots.

The recent surge in Covid-19 cases in summer when other viruses typically become weaker shows that Covid will remain contagious even in the summer. While this present spike is not as big as the largest outbreaks, which brought the world to a stop five years ago.