Covid-19 cases are surging once again across parts of Asia, with health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore raising alarms over a noticeable spike in infections, reports Bloomberg. The resurgence comes as waves of the now-endemic virus continue to swell across the region, defying seasonal expectations and reminding the public of the ongoing risks.
In Hong Kong, officials say the virus is spreading actively through the city of over 7 million residents. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city’s Centre for Health Protection, said the virus’s activity is currently “quite high.” The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 recently hit a one-year high, according to the agency’s data.
Severe cases, including deaths, have also reached their highest level in about a year, with 31 reported in the week through May 3. While this resurgence hasn’t yet matched the infection peaks of the past two years, increased viral loads in sewage, along with a rise in Covid-related medical consultations and hospitalizations, indicate widespread community transmission.
Singapore, another densely populated financial hub, is also experiencing a sharp uptick in cases. The city-state’s health ministry reported a 28% week-on-week increase in infections, reaching an estimated 14,200 cases in the week through May 3. Daily hospitalizations have also jumped approximately 30%. (Hindustan Times)