Covid-19 cases surge in Hong Kong and Singapore as Asia faces new wave

Rising infections and hospitalizations signal active Covid-19 spread across key Asian cities.

People wear masks in a park during the Covid-19 pandemic in Hong Kong on March 16, 2022. Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Widya Putri

Health authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore are raising fresh alarms over a surge in Covid-19 cases, marking a new chapter in the virus’s persistent global presence. The latest data points to a sharp increase in infections, hospital admissions, and wastewater viral loads—signs that Covid-19 continues to circulate widely in key Asian regions.

This surge, while not matching the peaks observed during the pandemic’s earlier years, is triggering concern among public health officials. In Hong Kong, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 has hit its highest level in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, Singapore has recorded a 28% rise in weekly cases, with hospitalizations also increasing by nearly 30%—an uptick that prompted the government to issue its first Covid-19 update in nearly a year.

Hong Kong sees sharp rise in Covid activity

Albert Au, head of the Communicable Diseases Branch at Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, warned that the city is facing a heightened level of Covid-19 virus activity. "The Covid-19 virus activity in Hong Kong is currently quite high," Au told reporters, as cited by The Bangkok Post.

The resurgence of cases is evident in multiple indicators. In the week ending May 3, 2025, the city reported 31 severe Covid-19 cases, including fatalities—the highest number in a year. Wastewater analysis reveals a growing viral load, while a noticeable uptick in Covid-related medical consultations and hospital admissions confirms that the virus is spreading actively within the community.

Though the numbers have not yet reached the record highs of the last two years, the trends have raised concerns about the capacity of the healthcare system, particularly if infections continue to rise as they have in recent weeks.

Singapore confirms spike in infections and hospitalizations

Singapore’s Ministry of Health, which now only releases Covid data during significant spikes, reported an estimated 14,200 infections from April 27 to May 3—an increase of 28% compared to the previous week. Hospitalizations rose by about 30%, underscoring the burden on healthcare infrastructure.

Authorities in Singapore attribute the rise to multiple factors, including potential waning immunity among the population. However, they emphasized that the current variants do not appear to be more transmissible or severe than those previously circulating during the pandemic.

The ministry urged continued vigilance, especially among vulnerable groups. Booster vaccinations remain a priority, and public health campaigns are underway to encourage the public to stay current with their immunizations.

Regional patterns show virus remains endemic

Covid-19's latest resurgence is not isolated to Hong Kong and Singapore. Across Asia, several countries are experiencing similar upticks, illustrating the virus’s now-endemic status.

In mainland China, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded a dramatic increase in test positivity rates. Over a five-week period ending May 4, the rate more than doubled among patients seeking diagnosis in hospitals across the country. This mirrors a trend seen in the summer of 2024, suggesting that Covid waves may now appear seasonally, though not necessarily during colder months.

Thailand has also seen localized outbreaks. The Department of Disease Control reported two Covid clusters since the beginning of 2025, with a marked spike following the Songkran festival in April—a traditional holiday that draws large gatherings nationwide.

Despite the rise in cases, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has reassured the public that most infections are mild. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin reiterated that Covid-19 is officially classified as an endemic disease in the country. “There is no cause for panic,” he stated, although precautionary measures remain in place.

Covid in warmer months challenges seasonal assumptions

One notable trend in the current wave is the virus’s ability to spread even during warmer months, defying early assumptions that Covid-19 might behave like the flu and recede during hotter periods. Health experts are now cautioning that Covid’s endemic presence means that seasonal surges can occur at any time of year.

This year’s surge is also occurring without the backdrop of widespread mask mandates or lockdowns, signaling a broader shift in public health strategy. Governments across Asia are treating the virus with more targeted measures, focusing on hospital preparedness, vaccine campaigns, and public education rather than sweeping restrictions.

Community precautions and public messaging

Health authorities in multiple regions are intensifying messaging aimed at preventing further spread. In Bangkok, the Social Development Office has initiated new safety protocols in preschool development centers to reduce transmission among young children, a population group that often acts as a vector for respiratory infections.

Officials across the region continue to urge residents to maintain hygiene, avoid crowded indoor spaces, and wear masks where appropriate. Vaccination campaigns, especially among the elderly and immunocompromised, are being promoted as critical tools in keeping severe illness at bay.

No signs of more dangerous variants—yet

Despite the spike in cases, health authorities have found no evidence that the currently circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease. This contrasts with previous waves that were driven by variants like Delta or Omicron, which caused widespread disruption and overwhelmed healthcare systems.

Nonetheless, experts caution that increased transmission inherently raises the risk of mutations and future variants. As a result, genomic surveillance continues across the region to detect and respond quickly to any new strains of concern.

A reminder of Covid-19’s persistent threat

The latest wave serves as a stark reminder that Covid-19, while no longer dominating headlines globally, remains a serious public health issue. It continues to place stress on healthcare systems, especially in urban areas with high population densities.

The situation in Hong Kong and Singapore underscores the importance of sustained public health investment and community vigilance. With the virus now firmly entrenched as an endemic disease, periodic waves of infection are expected—but how societies manage them will determine the long-term impact.

As the summer approaches and international travel ramps up, officials warn that complacency could lead to new spikes. While lockdowns are unlikely to return, the call for renewed caution, especially among vulnerable populations, is growing louder.