Lagatar24 Desk
Hong Kong: Health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have sounded the alarm over a significant rise in Covid-19 cases, marking the virus’s most aggressive comeback in nearly a year. The spike, while not yet at the peaks seen in 2022 or 2023, has prompted renewed warnings and a call for booster vaccinations in both cities.
Hong Kong sees highest positivity rate in a year
Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, said the current Covid-19 activity in the city is “quite high”. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive has reached its highest level in 12 months. Data shows 31 severe cases were reported in the week ending May 3 — also the highest in a year. Increased viral loads in sewage and a rise in Covid-related medical visits and hospital admissions suggest the virus is spreading widely across the city’s 7 million residents.
Singapore records 28% weekly rise in infections
Singapore’s Ministry of Health, in its first Covid-19 update in nearly a year, reported a 28% spike in cases — from 11,100 to 14,200 — in the week ending May 3. Daily hospitalisations jumped by around 30%. Although experts attribute this surge to waning immunity among the population, officials say the circulating variants are not currently more transmissible. The ministry has advised high-risk groups to update their vaccinations and get booster doses.
Regional rise and global concerns
The resurgence is part of a broader regional trend. Covid-19 has been rising across Asia, with seasonal waves becoming more frequent. Uniquely, the virus continues to affect large sections of the population even during summer, unlike other respiratory illnesses. In China, test positivity rates have more than doubled across hospitals, indicating a likely summer wave on par with last year.
Health officials urge vaccination amid celebrity case
Authorities are urging citizens to get vaccinated, especially those at higher risk. Meanwhile, high-profile cases continue to draw attention — Hong Kong singer Eason Chan cancelled upcoming concerts after testing positive, according to the event’s Weibo announcement.
Thailand has also reported two cluster outbreaks in 2025, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance.
