Asia

COVID-19 Surges Across Asia as Hong Kong Hits One-Year High

Published MAY 19 2025

Story

Above: Pedestrians in Hong Kong, China, on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Image credit: Paul Yeung/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Facts

Positive test results for COVID-19 in Hong Kong increased dramatically, from 6.21% to 13.66%, in the week ending May 10, marking the highest level in a year. Over the past four weeks, 30 deaths were recorded among 81 severe adult cases.
Young Post
South China Morning Post
The Economic Times
Singapore reported a 28% spike in COVID-19 cases, with 14,200 infections recorded in the week ending May 3. This was accompanied by a 30% increase in hospitalizations, prompting the first major update from health authorities in nearly a year.
The Straits Times
Firstpost
Standard
The surge is attributed to waning immunity and evolving virus strains. Hong Kong's predominant variant shifted from JN.1 to XDV in late March, while Singapore's cases are primarily driven by LF.7 and NB.1.8 variants.
The Straits Times
South China Morning Post
The Economic Times
In Hong Kong, 83% of severe cases involved patients aged 65 or older, with over 90% having pre-existing conditions, while only one had received a booster shot in the previous six months.
Young Post
South China Morning Post
Standard
Additionally, China is approaching levels similar to last summer's peak, with test positivity rates more than doubling in hospitals between late March and early May. Meanwhile, Thailand reports increased infections following the April Songkran festival.
Gulfnews
Firstpost
XINHUA
Health authorities across the region are urging vulnerable populations to get booster shots. Hong Kong estimates that 75% of elderly care home residents and 90% of community-dwelling seniors haven't received timely boosters to protect effectively against the virus.
Info
South China Morning Post
XINHUA

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

The current COVID-19 surge shows that the virus remains a significant public health threat requiring immediate attention. The sharp increase in cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, highlights dangerous gulfs in vaccination coverage. Increasingly high positivity rates and rising hospitalizations indicate that relaxed attitudes toward boosters and preventive measures have exposed communities to new waves of infection.

South China Morning Post

Health News

Narrative B

The impact of COVID-19 has significantly diminished compared to previous years, with the vast majority of cases now being mild and manageable. The virus has become endemic, with periodic waves expected as part of the new normal. Despite rising cases, severe outcomes and deaths remain lower than they were previously, suggesting improved population immunity and less dangerous variants.

The Straits Times

RTHK