Asia Battles COVID-19 Resurgence Amid Fear of Waning Immunity

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Resurgence of COVID-19 Cases in Asia Sparks Concern as Regional Wave Intensifies

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, May 17, 2025 – A sharp rise in COVID-19 cases across Asia has raised alarms among health authorities. Several Southeast Asian nations have reported significant spikes in infections.

The resurgence of Coronavirus is taking place in a season when respiratory viruses typically subside. This has prompted renewed calls for booster vaccinations, mask-wearing, and heightened vigilance, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.

In Hong Kong, the situation has reached a critical point. South China Morning Post reported on Friday, that “COVID-19 levels in Hong Kong over the past four weeks have hit their highest rate in a year, with 30 deaths already recorded.”

Despite the virus’s milder overall impact, the high positivity rate has led to a public alert. Reports said that health officials are emphasizing the need for renewed preventive measures.

Singapore is also grappling with a significant uptick in cases. The Straits Times noted on Thursday, that “Singapore has seen a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, with hospitals reporting increased admissions, particularly among the elderly.”

The report quoted a Ministry of Health spokesperson urging residents to “maintain good hand hygiene and wear face coverings in crowded areas to curb the spread.”

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is facing similar challenges. Bangkok Post reported on Friday, that “Thailand is experiencing an unexpected surge in COVID-19 cases, with Bangkok hospitals seeing a 20% increase in patients over the past two weeks.”

The article cited Dr. Supakit Sirilak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, who stated, “We are closely monitoring the situation and encouraging the public to get booster shots, especially with the Delta and Omicron variants still circulating.”

The current wave follows a historical pattern of surges in Southeast Asia. The region faced its first wave in January 2021, with a second rise in June 2021 driven by the Delta variant, peaking at nearly 100,000 cases and 3,000 deaths daily.

A third wave in February 2022, fueled by the Omicron variant, saw over 200,000 daily cases but lower mortality rates.

Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease specialist in Singapore, was quoted by The Straits Times saying, “The resurgence is likely due to a combination of waning immunity and new variants. We must remain vigilant and prioritize vaccinations to protect our communities.”
As the region braces for potential further increases, governments are ramping up public health measures. In Thailand, the Bangkok Post reported that authorities are considering reinstating mandatory mask-wearing in public spaces if cases continue to rise.

Similarly, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post noted that schools might delay reopening if the situation worsens.

The resurgence of COVID-19 in Asia underscores the ongoing global challenge of managing the virus, with Southeast Asian nations at the forefront of this latest wave.

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