Hyderabad: Covid cases are rising again in Hong Kong and Singapore. Health authorities in both countries have issued alerts after recent data showed a steep increase in infections.
Hong Kong officials reported a higher-than-usual number of positive samples in the last few weeks. One official said this was the first time this year such a concentration of positive cases had been recorded. In the week ending 3 May, 31 deaths were attributed to Covid. That was the highest weekly total so far in 2024. Officials noted that while overall case numbers remain below those seen during the previous wave two years ago, current testing shows an upward trend in viral load.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health released its first formal update on case numbers in nearly a year. As of 3 May, confirmed infections had risen 28 percent over previous projections. The number of active cases stood at 14,200. Daily hospitalisations increased by around 30 percent over the same period.
Cases have also been reported in larger volumes in Thailand and China, though no exact figures were released.
Health departments in the affected countries believe falling population immunity may be contributing to the increase. Residents have been asked to wear masks in public areas, avoid crowded locations, and observe physical distancing.
