With a rapid increase in infections and severe cases, COVID-19 has subtly resurfaced as a growing concern in parts of Asia, particularly in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.
The Covid issue in Hong Kong is once again being closely watched, Thansettakij said. The rate of positive results in respiratory samples has increased to its highest level in more than a year, according to the Centre for Health Protection.
A 12-month high of 31 serious cases were reported in the week ending May 3. Furthermore, a noticeable rise in viral concentration has been detected by wastewater surveillance, suggesting that community transmission is spreading.
This new wave has affected the entertainment sector in addition to the healthcare system. After getting Covid-19, well-known Hong Kong singer Eason Chan had to postpone his performance in Taiwan, which increased public awareness of the long-term dangers and the continuous significance of taking preventative measures.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health, the number of Covid-19 cases increased by 28% to almost 14,200 in the week ending May 3. The infection also caused a roughly 30% increase in hospital admissions.
Notably, this is the first occasion in almost a year that the Singaporean government has made official numbers available in this way, which is normally only done in cases that are deemed especially alarming.
Singapore has not discovered any new, more severe varieties in spite of the rise. The main culprit, according to authorities, is the population’s declining immunity after a protracted period of time without booster shots or viral exposure.
The government is therefore strongly encouraging high-risk populations to get booster doses as soon as possible, particularly the elderly and those with underlying medical issues.
