New Delhi: Several Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, have reported a fresh increase in Covid-19 cases in recent weeks, raising concerns about the return of the virus. However, health experts have largely attributed this rise to expected seasonal patterns, rather than a full-scale resurgence of the pandemic.
In India, the situation remains under control, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Since May 12, the country has recorded only 164 new Covid cases, with 257 active infections as of Tuesday. Kerala accounted for the highest number with 69 cases, followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34).
Review meeting held
To assess the situation, a review meeting was held on Monday involving representatives from the National Centre for Disease Control, Indian Council of Medical Research, Disaster Management Cell and central government hospitals. Officials concluded that the current Covid situation in India is not alarming. Nearly all active cases are mild and do not require hospitalisation.
In Mumbai, two deaths were reported at KEM Hospital of Covid-positive patients, though both had serious pre-existing health conditions. One suffered from oral cancer and the other from nephrotic syndrome. Health sources said these deaths were due to their underlying diseases, not Covid-19 itself.
Singapore
Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Singapore have witnessed a steady rise in cases. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health reported around 14,200 Covid cases between April 27 and May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week. Authorities have urged public caution but stressed that periodic waves are now expected throughout the year.
Hong Kong and South Korea
In Hong Kong, officials noted that the region sees a Covid upsurge every six to nine months since reopening. The city’s health authorities expect the infection levels to remain elevated in the coming weeks. South Korea has also taken preventive steps, extending its seasonal Covid vaccination campaign until the end of June. Citizens aged 65 and above are being encouraged to receive the updated JN.1 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech.
