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New Covid-19 Wave Raises Alarms in Hong Kong and Singapore as Infections Surge and Traces Found in Wastewater

Asia on Alert Amid Unseasonal Rise in Covid-19 Cases and Hospital Admissions

• By Newsdesk
• New Delhi
• May 17, 2025

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A fresh wave of Covid-19 appears to be sweeping across parts of Asia, with health officials in Hong Kong and Singapore reporting a notable spike in infections and related hospitalizations—raising concerns about the virus’s persistent threat even during the typically low-transmission summer months.

In Hong Kong, authorities have flagged a marked uptick in Covid-19 activity. Dr. Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the city’s Centre for Health Protection, revealed this week that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus has surged to its highest level in the past year. The city recorded 31 severe cases in the week leading up to May 3, the highest weekly tally in recent months.

While the current rise does not match the severity of past waves, public health experts are closely monitoring signals that point to sustained community transmission. These include a growing number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms at clinics and hospitals, as well as elevated levels of the virus detected in sewage samples.

Singapore is also experiencing a worrying resurgence. In its first Covid-19 update in nearly a year, the city-state's Ministry of Health reported a 28% increase in weekly infections, with cases climbing to approximately 14,200 in the week ending May 3. Covid-related hospital admissions rose in tandem, up by roughly 30% from the week prior.

The ministry attributed the rise primarily to declining immunity levels rather than the emergence of more aggressive variants. It emphasized that current strains do not appear to be more infectious or cause more severe illness.

Across the broader region, periodic spikes in Covid-19 have been occurring for several months, a pattern that reflects the virus’s continued evolution and endurance. Health authorities are urging the public—particularly vulnerable populations—to stay updated with vaccinations and receive booster doses when eligible.

The unexpected surge during the warmer months, traditionally a period of lower respiratory virus activity, underscores Covid-19's ability to defy seasonal trends. As governments assess the evolving situation, they remain focused on preventive measures and public awareness to manage the latest wave without returning to stringent restrictions.