COVID-19 Cases Are Rising Again in Asia

COVID-19 is quietly making its way back in parts of Asia, with Singapore and Hong Kong seeing a sharp rise in new cases. While it’s not yet causing major disruptions, the trend has caught the attention of health experts.

Hong Kong health authorities have reported a big increase in infections. In mid-March, about 1.7% of respiratory samples tested positive for COVID. Now, it’s over 11%. Most severe cases are older adults with pre-existing conditions, and hospital visits are rising too.

Wastewater data and clinic reports also point to wider virus activity in the city. Even public figures like singer Eason Chan tested positive recently, forcing event cancellations.

Singapore recorded a 28% spike in cases during the first week of May, with hospitalizations up 30%. The government believes this is due to declining immunity rather than more dangerous variants. Current strains like LF.7 and NB.1.8, both linked to the JN.1 lineage, don’t appear to cause more serious illness.

China and Thailand are also seeing case increases. In Thailand, clusters formed after the Songkran festival. In China, testing positivity has more than doubled since March.

Experts say fewer people are getting boosters, which may explain the surge. Most new patients in Singapore haven’t been vaccinated in the last year or two. Still, doctors say this wave is milder, more like the flu, with fast recoveries.

It’s hard not to feel frustrated sometimes. The data shows COVID-19 is still around, still evolving, and still capable of causing serious illness. Yet, barely anyone wears a mask anymore. I still wear my N95 whenever I go out, even in open public spaces. Why? Because it works. It’s not paranoia, it’s prevention. It’s such a simple thing that helps a lot, so I’m honestly puzzled why more people aren’t doing the same.