New Covid-19 wave spreads in Asia, infections rise in Hong Kong and Singapore
Covid-19 cases are rising sharply in Hong Kong and Singapore, with health officials warning of a new wave across Asia. According to reports, the increase may be an indication of declining immunity, with authorities urging people to ensure they are vaccinated.
In Short
- Covid cases rise in Hong Kong, Singapore and across Asia
- Hong Kong sees high Covid activity and increased severe cases
- Health officials urge vaccinations and booster shots amid surge
Health officials in Hong Kong and Singapore have warned about a rise in Covid-19 cases as a new wave spreads across parts of Asia, Bloomberg reported.
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.
While this present spike is not as big as the largest outbreaks during the previous two years, other indicators show the virus is spreading. The Covid-19 virus has been detected in sewage water, and more people are going to hospitals and clinics with symptoms of the disease, which brought the world to a stop five years ago.
COVID CASES SURGE IN SINGAPORE
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%.
Singapore reports case numbers only if there is a definite rise. The health ministry indicated that the increase may be a reflexion of declining immunity in the population but had no evidence that new virus strains are more infectious and lead to more serious illness.
COVID CASES INCREASE IN ASIA
All over 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 for 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.
Hong Kong pop star Eason Chan was found to be Covid-positive and had to postpone his Taiwan concerts, said his official social media account on Weibo.
Bloomberg 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.