A fresh wave of Covid-19 is sweeping through several parts of Asia, with major cities and countries reporting a major uptick in infections, hospitalisations and test positivity rates. Health authorities in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand are issuing fresh alerts as the virus continues to circulate widely, defying seasonal expectations.

Hong Kong sees highest positivity rate in a year

In Hong Kong, Covid-19 activity has reached a “quite high” level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the city’s Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive recently hit its highest point in a year.

Data from the centre shows severe cases — including deaths — rose to 31 in the week ending May 3, marking the highest weekly toll in about a year. While the current wave has not matched previous peak levels, authorities report increased viral loads in sewage, along with a rise in Covid-related hospitalisations and medical consultations, signalling active community transmission in the city of over 7 million.

Hong Kong singer Eason Chan also tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the event’s organisers confirmed on Weibo.

Singapore issues first update in a year amid 28% spike

Singapore’s Health Ministry has released its first Covid-19 update in nearly a year, prompted by a noticeable surge in infections. The city-state recorded an estimated 14,200 cases in the week ending May 3 — a 28% increase from the previous week. Daily hospitalisations also climbed by about 30%.

While the rise has raised concerns, the Health Ministry clarified that there is no indication that current variants are more transmissible or severe than those seen during earlier phases of the pandemic. Authorities have pointed to waning population immunity as a possible contributing factor and urged high-risk individuals to stay up to date with booster vaccinations.

China approaches last summer’s peak, says CDC

Mainland China is also seeing a notable rise in Covid activity. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the positivity rate among patients seeking Covid diagnoses at hospitals more than doubled in the five weeks leading up to May 4.

The increase signals that China may be on track for a wave similar in magnitude to last year’s summer surge, though there is no current evidence suggesting the emergence of a new, more dangerous variant.

Thailand reports cluster outbreaks post-Songkran

In Thailand, health authorities have identified two cluster outbreaks so far this year, with cases rising notably after April’s Songkran festival, which typically draws large crowds for public celebrations. The Department of Disease Control has not linked the outbreaks to any new variant, but has cautioned the public to remain vigilant.

Summer surge defies seasonal patterns

Unlike many respiratory viruses that tend to peak in colder months, this latest Covid-19 resurgence is occurring as much of the Northern Hemisphere heads into summer. The trend reinforces the virus’s unpredictable behaviour and its ability to drive community transmission regardless of weather conditions.

Health officials across the region are renewing calls for precautionary measures, particularly among vulnerable populations, as Covid continues to circulate as an endemic threat with periodic waves.