Covid Cases Rise In Hong Kong & Singapore: Should You Rethink Your Travel Plans? Credit: iStock
If you’ve been chalking out your summer itineraries with breaks right around the corner, you might want to skip Singapore and Hong Kong. Both the countries are seeing a rise in covid cases of late. According to reports, health authorities in Hong Kong say the virus is spreading actively, with the number of Covid-positive respiratory samples reaching the highest levels in a year. Hospitalisations and even severe cases, including deaths, have also gone up. The city’s health experts are closely watching signs like rising viral loads in sewage and a spike in Covid-related medical visits, all pointing to a resurgence of the virus in the densely populated city of over 7 million.
In Singapore, cases jumped by 28% to an estimated 14,200 in the week ending May 3, compared to the week before. Daily hospitalizations also saw a 30% increase. The country hadn’t issued a case update in nearly a year but has done so now due to the sudden spike. Officials say the rise might be due to waning immunity, but there’s currently no evidence that the circulating variants are more dangerous than before.
The surge in both cities reflects a broader trend in Asia, where Covid, now considered an endemic disease, continues to rise in waves. China is also experiencing a rise in infections, with test positivity rates more than doubling in recent weeks. Similarly, Thailand also reported two major outbreaks, especially following the country’s popular Songkran festival in April.
While there is no cause for immediate concern, health authorities across the region are urging travellers and residents to stay up to date with vaccinations and for high-risk individuals to consider booster shots.
What Should Travellers Do?
- Check local travel advisories for Hong Kong, Singapore, and other Asian destinations.
- Carry masks, especially for use in crowded areas or public transport.
- Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, especially if you’re in a high-risk group.
- Monitor your health before, during, and after your trip.
