China, Singapore, Thailand See New Covid-19 Case Surge as Reports Reveal

Friday, May 23, 2025

Analysts from the travel and public health sectors are beginning to express concern over how the resurgence of Covid-19 in Asia might ripple through international travel patterns. While restrictions have largely been lifted globally, the spike in infections across several Asian nations serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable the industry remains to biological shocks.

Travel agencies and tourism operators are particularly concerned about the reintroduction of localized travel restrictions, such as mask mandates, vaccination requirements, or even partial lockdowns, especially if hospital systems begin to feel the pressure. Though no such steps have been announced yet, industry observers say the rising case numbers are already prompting discussions among stakeholders.

Airlines, too, are keeping a close watch. Some have hinted at contingency plans that include revisiting hygiene protocols, offering flexible rescheduling, or even readjusting flight frequencies on certain Asia routes if public perception of safety declines again.

Hopeful Containment: The Indian Experience

In contrast to other Asian nations, the situation in India has remained relatively calm in recent weeks. Government officials, quoted by news agencies such as PTI, emphasized that the uptick in cases remains mild, with no significant impact on hospitalizations or mortality. As of the latest count, India reported 257 active Covid-19 cases.

In response, the Indian government held a high-level review meeting that involved the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, the Disaster Management Cell, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and senior representatives from central government hospitals. The session was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), signaling the seriousness with which the government is monitoring developments.

Sources from the Health Ministry informed that while the trend does not currently necessitate drastic intervention, authorities remain vigilant and proactive. The ministry continues to maintain robust surveillance, data analytics, and communication strategies to ensure public health safety.

Waning Immunity and the Challenge of Vaccination Gaps

One common thread among the nations experiencing a surge is the issue of waning immunity. Singaporean health authorities have pointed to the decreased protection among the population as a major contributor to the rising number of infections. In Singapore, two variants — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — have become dominant. These are sublineages of the JN.1 strain, which was first observed in 2024 and is also the target of the most recent vaccine formulation.

Health experts believe that immunity from either past infections or previous rounds of vaccination diminishes over time, leaving populations susceptible once again. Compounding this issue is the fact that many people have not received a booster dose in over a year. This pattern is suspected to be similar in other countries such as Hong Kong and Thailand.

Public health officials are particularly worried about high-risk groups such as elderly populations, for whom even mild strains of the virus could have serious consequences. There is a growing consensus that renewed public messaging about the importance of booster vaccinations may be required to curb this resurgence.

Hong Kong’s Endemic Cycle: A New Normal?

In Hong Kong, health authorities have acknowledged that Covid-19 now exhibits a “periodic pattern,” much like influenza. Dr. Edwin Tsui, who leads the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), stated that every six to nine months, the city experiences a noticeable increase in case numbers, typically due to evolving variants and declining herd immunity.

Between April 6 and April 12, the percentage of positive Covid-19 tests in Hong Kong rose dramatically — from 6.21% to 13.66%. Authorities there argue that this wave is consistent with the expected periodic activity of the virus in a post-pandemic world. Dr. Tsui emphasized that the fluctuations are now part of an endemic disease profile, though they still require public health oversight.

Local officials have been using recent data to evaluate future policy options and to fine-tune public advisories. While no immediate new mandates are expected, the city’s health infrastructure remains alert to any signs of stress or community transmission escalation.

Thailand’s Strain: Songkran’s Lingering Effect

Thailand’s experience over the past few weeks presents a more intense picture. Between May 11 and May 17, the country recorded 33,030 new Covid-19 cases, with a significant concentration — over 6,000 cases — located in the capital, Bangkok. According to the Department of Disease Control, the resurgence has been linked in part to the Songkran festival, a traditional Thai New Year celebration held from April 13 to April 15, known for widespread travel and gatherings.

Health officials in Thailand identified the XEC variant, a strain of Omicron, as the main culprit behind the sudden surge. They have been cautious in balancing transparency with reassurance, stressing that healthcare facilities are currently managing the case load effectively, but advising continued vigilance among the public.

The Thai government is also urging citizens to adhere to voluntary precautions such as mask-wearing in crowded places and hand hygiene. While hospitalizations have not yet spiked in a proportionate manner, officials are monitoring the situation daily and are not ruling out local advisories if trends continue.

Singapore’s Systemic Surge

Singapore has provided some of the most detailed insights into the ongoing surge. According to data released by the Ministry of Health, the number of weekly Covid-19 cases increased significantly between April 27 and May 3, rising from 11,100 to 14,200 — a jump of nearly 28%.

The average daily number of Covid-19-related hospitalizations also increased, going from 102 to 133 within the same period. Interestingly, despite the rise in total hospitalizations, the average number of ICU admissions decreased slightly from three to two per day. This suggests that although more people are getting infected, fewer are experiencing severe symptoms requiring intensive care.

Singaporean authorities highlighted that, for now, the healthcare system remains capable of managing the growing patient load. Hospitals have adjusted resource allocation to prepare for a possible prolonged surge. Public health messaging has remained clear, focusing on vaccination uptake and risk-reduction behaviors.

China’s Understated Increase

Although China’s data disclosures tend to be less comprehensive than those from some neighboring countries, recent figures from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a concerning trend. Between March 31 and May 4, the positivity rate among patients presenting flu-like symptoms rose from 7.5% to 16.2%. Among those admitted to hospitals, the rate doubled — from 3.3% to 6.3%.

The rise points to a wider community transmission that might be understated in public narratives. Experts believe these increases could be tied to newer variants, reduced public compliance with safety protocols, or seasonal factors that coincide with social events and travel spikes.

China has not yet disclosed whether new public health measures will be implemented, but local administrations have been asked to ramp up testing capacity and remain prepared for a potential wider outbreak.

Common Factors Behind the Surge

Across the board, health authorities have cited a few common factors contributing to the rise in Covid-19 cases:

• Waning Immunity: Immunological protection from prior infection or vaccination is diminishing across populations.
• Variant Evolution: New variants such as LF.7, NB.1.8, and XEC are proving to be more transmissible.
• Travel & Social Mixing: Increased movement during holidays like Songkran and general post-pandemic social normalization.
• Booster Fatigue: Many individuals, even in high-risk groups, have delayed or avoided receiving booster shots.

Public health leaders argue that these factors form a complex ecosystem that allows the virus to resurge, especially in regions with high urban density and frequent social interaction.

Strategic Recommendations for Travelers

Given the evolving nature of the pandemic, travel experts and global health agencies have begun issuing updated advisories for those planning trips, particularly within or to Asia:

• Verify Local Guidelines: Before departure, travelers should check the latest health advisories for their destination.
• Stay Vaccinated: Boosters should be current, especially for older travelers or those with comorbidities.
• Carry Essentials: Masks, hand sanitizer, and proof of vaccination or recovery might still be needed in specific settings.

These basic precautions can go a long way in minimizing disruptions and ensuring safety during travel, particularly during an uptick in cases.

Industry Watch: A Return to Resilience

The broader travel industry is now operating in a mode of cautious optimism. While no sweeping restrictions are anticipated, the recent uptick serves as a reminder that the industry must remain agile and ready to adapt. From airlines to hoteliers to tour operators, resilience and flexibility are becoming the currency of continued success.

As nations like Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong recalibrate their public health messaging, the global travel industry must remain aligned with real-time data and community sentiments. Doing so not only ensures safety but also supports sustained economic recovery in tourism-dependent economies.

In conclusion, the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across Asia highlights the need for ongoing vigilance, both at the individual and institutional level. The disease may now be endemic, but its consequences — especially when underestimated — can still travel far.

(News Source: Indiatoday)