Covid Cases Spike in Hong Kong and Singapore Amidst New Asia Wave

Covid Cases Spike in Hong Kong and Singapore Amidst New Asia Wave

RMN News Story Highlights

• Covid cases are spiking in Hong Kong and Singapore.

• This surge is part of a new wave spreading across Asia.

• Hong Kong’s positivity rate hit a year high, and severe cases/deaths reached a year high.

• Singapore saw a 28% jump in estimated cases in one week.

RMN News Health Desk
May 17, 2025

Health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore have issued warnings as Covid-19 cases are spiking, part of a resurgent wave spreading across Asia. This surge in two of Asia’s largest cities follows a broader trend of rising Covid activity across the region over the past few months. The disease is now considered endemic, with waves swelling periodically.

In densely-populated Hong Kong, virus activity is now considered “quite high,” according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the city’s Center for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing Covid-positive in Hong Kong recently reached its highest level in a year.

Data also shows that severe cases, including deaths, reached their highest level in about a year in the week through May 3, 2025 totalling 31. While the current resurgence has not yet matched the infection peaks seen in the past two years, indicators such as rising viral load in sewage water, along with increases in Covid-related medical consultations and hospitalizations, suggest the virus is actively spreading in the city.

Rival financial centre Singapore is also on Covid alert. The city-state’s health ministry released its first update on infection numbers in nearly a year this month (May 2025). The estimated number of cases jumped 28% to 14,200 in the week ending May 3, compared to the previous seven days. Daily hospitalizations also rose by approximately 30%. Singapore now only provides case updates when a noticeable spike occurs.

Covid Variants

The increase in cases could be influenced by factors like waning population immunity. However, Singapore’s health ministry has stated there is no indication that the currently circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe cases than those seen during the pandemic phase.

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The timing of this comeback is noteworthy, as it occurs just as much of the northern hemisphere enters summer. This contrasts with other respiratory pathogens that are typically more active in colder months, demonstrating that Covid can still sicken a significant portion of the population even in hot weather.

The rise in cases isn’t limited to Hong Kong and Singapore. China is also reportedly on track to see a Covid wave that could reach last year’s summer peak. Data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the Covid test positivity rate more than doubled among patients seeking a diagnosis at hospitals across mainland China in the five weeks through May 4. Thailand has also reported two cluster outbreaks this year, with cases rising after the annual Songkran festival in April, which draws crowds.

Amidst the surge, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan contracted Covid and had to cancel his scheduled concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

In light of the rising cases, health authorities have reiterated calls for people to keep their vaccinations updated, reminding high-risk individuals in particular to get booster shots.