Covid-19 may no longer dominate daily headlines, but it’s far from gone.

Recent spikes in infection rates across parts of Asia—particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore—are a sharp reminder that the virus remains active and unpredictable. Health authorities in both cities have raised alerts as cases climb to their highest levels in a year, leading to concerns about widespread community transmission and renewed strain on healthcare systems.

Covid Cases Climb in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a densely packed city of over 7 million people, is seeing an alarming rise in Covid-19 activity. According to the city’s Centre for Health Protection, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid has hit a one-year high. The number of severe cases and related deaths has also increased, reaching 31 in the week ending May 3—the most since mid-2023.

Dr. Albert Au, who heads the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre, described the current level of virus circulation as “quite high,” signaling widespread community transmission. Several indicators support this, including:

  • Elevated viral loads in sewage testing

  • Increased hospitalizations and medical consultations related to Covid

  • A steady rise in positive test results

Although the current wave hasn't yet reached the extreme peaks seen during the height of the pandemic, the overall trend is worrying. The city’s healthcare infrastructure is once again preparing to respond to a surge, with authorities urging vulnerable populations—such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions—to update their vaccinations and booster shots.

Singapore Sees a Sharp Week-on-Week Spike

Singapore is also dealing with a rapid increase in Covid-19 cases. The Ministry of Health recently reported a 28% week-on-week rise, with an estimated 14,200 cases in the week through May 3. That’s a significant jump in a short period, especially considering that the city-state hadn’t issued a public update on infection figures for nearly a year.

Daily Covid-related hospitalizations in Singapore are up by 30%, raising concerns about healthcare readiness in a country known for its robust medical system. The Ministry of Health attributes the surge to a combination of factors, including:

  • Waning immunity over time

  • Increased social interaction and travel

  • The presence of known Covid variants—not necessarily new or more dangerous, but still capable of causing widespread transmission

Despite the numbers, officials maintain that the current variants are not more severe or highly transmissible than previous strains. However, the rise in hospital visits shows the need for continued caution, especially as public fatigue around Covid protocols grows.

Public Life Disrupted Again

The resurgence is also beginning to impact public events. In a recent example, popular Hong Kong singer Eason Chan had to cancel a series of concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after testing positive for Covid-19. His team confirmed the news via Chinese social media platform Weibo, further fueling concerns that even public figures are not immune to the current wave.

While countries have moved on from strict lockdowns and travel bans, the virus’s ability to disrupt daily life—especially large gatherings—hasn’t faded.

Mainland China and Thailand Also on Edge

Elsewhere in Asia, the situation is developing in similar ways:

China

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, test positivity rates more than doubled over a five-week period ending May 4. While specific case counts are harder to verify, the trend clearly suggests the start of a summer wave, mirroring last year’s seasonal rise.

Thailand

Following the Songkran festival in April—a major public holiday and water celebration—Thailand’s health authorities have reported noticeable spikes in cases. The country’s Department of Disease Control has already identified two cluster outbreaks this year, reinforcing the risks associated with large-scale events and travel.

Why This Resurgence Matters

One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Covid-19 doesn’t follow seasonal rules the way influenza and other respiratory viruses often do. Instead of calming down during warmer months, the virus appears to surge in cycles that are influenced by human behavior (like travel and gatherings) and declining immunity levels.

What’s also evident is that Covid fatigue has led to reduced vigilance. With many countries relaxing reporting requirements and no longer issuing daily updates, the virus is quietly but steadily reasserting itself.

While current data does not indicate the emergence of more dangerous variants, the healthcare systems in these regions are once again feeling the pressure—especially with hospital beds filling up and booster uptake lagging behind.

What Can Be Done?

Health officials across Asia are urging a few key precautions to manage this wave without reintroducing harsh restrictions:

  • Get booster shots, especially for high-risk individuals

  • Mask up in crowded or poorly ventilated areas

  • Stay home if symptomatic

  • Monitor local health updates and follow guidance

  • Avoid large gatherings if you’re unwell or unvaccinated

Final Thoughts

Covid-19 may have faded from the headlines, but the virus hasn’t disappeared. The recent spikes in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand are reminders that endemic doesn’t mean harmless. It simply means we need to learn how to live with it—by staying informed, protected, and cautious.

As summer approaches and travel picks up, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether these current spikes are isolated events—or the start of another widespread wave across the region.