Asia’s Covid Resurgence Challenges Cities Despite Endemic Status
Covid-19 cases are soaring in Hong Kong and Singapore causing alarm in two of Asia’s busiest, most crowded cities. Following several months of peace, we are reminded by this new wave that what persists is this virus and complacency in not being taken by Covid seriously requires ongoing vigilance as the disease goes endemic.
Hong Kong’s Covid Levels Reach Yearly Highs
The activity of COVID-19 in Hong Kong is “very high” the city confirmed head of Communicable Disease Branch Albert Au from Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection. Positive for respiratory tests is at its highest mark in over a year now, at % of all tests. Simultaneously, the number of severely ill (and dead) from Covid jumped to 31 in the most recent week ending May 3, this is largest weekly total of a year. Data from sewage, the number of hospital admissions all suggest the virus is circulating in Hong Kong’s population of over seven million people.
Singapore Reports Sharp Rise in Cases and Hospitalizations
Health Ministry of Singapore released the first COVID-19 update nearly a year ago showing an estimated 28% bump up in cases to over 14,200 in week ending 3 May. Hospitalizations also rose about 30%. Singapore only gives us the case numbers when there are actual waves these days, in line with the shift to trying to live with Covid endemic rather than a pandemic. Disease experts stress that the current variants are not more contagious or knock out, but immunity waning is what causes the bomb.
Covid Defies Seasonal Expectations, Surging in Summer
Rather than in the colder months like typical respiratory illnesses, this wave in Asia occurs as the northern hemisphere is entering the summer proving Covid can easily spread regardless of season or time of year. Persistent exposure risks underscore the need for vaccinations and for boosters, especially amongst high risk groups.
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Regional Ripple Effects: China and Thailand Also See Increases
Mainland china in for another wave wonk comparable to last summer’s peak, as Covid test positivity doubles over 5 weeks to early may in PTWH. As infections are now running high, Thailand has detected cluster outbreaks after Songkran festival in April that brought people together and increased transmission.
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Notable Impact on Daily Life
Recently announced that Hong Kong singer Eason Chan has tested positive to Covid, so the concerts in Taiwan that he was supposed to come were called off and a reminder that Covid continues to plague daily life.
With the surge of Covid cases in these cities and countries health officials are urging the public to update their vaccines and boosters in order to capture the latest wave rolling in while preventing severe outcomes .
Covid cases surge in Hong Kong and Singapore as new regional wave spreads. Hospitals report rising admissions while health officials stress vaccination and booster shots amid ongoing risks.