Covid-19 cases surge in Hong Kong and Singapore, health authorities on alert

Hong Kong: Covid-19 cases are once again rising rapidly in Hong Kong and Singapore, marking the highest spike in infections in both cities over the past year. Health authorities in both regions have become vigilant as concerns grow over the renewed spread of the virus.

In Hong Kong, officials reported a sudden increase in Covid-19 cases. Albert Au, head of the Department of Communicable Diseases at the city’s Centre for Health Protection, said that the activity of the virus is now “quite high.”

According to local media reports, the positivity rate of breath samples taken for testing has reached its peak level in the past year.

The Centre’s data also shows a rise in severe Covid cases and fatalities. In the week ending May 3, Hong Kong reported 31 serious cases, including deaths — the highest figure recorded in nearly a year.

Although the current wave has not yet reached the intensity seen during previous surges in the past two years, indicators such as rising virus levels in sewage water, increasing Covid-related hospitalisations, and more medical consultations are signaling a renewed spread of the virus in the city of over seven million residents.

Singapore is witnessing a similar trend, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. The spike in cases has raised concerns across Asia as the region remains on alert against another potential wave of infections.