Not again
The past few years have relatively witnessed an ease on the Covid-19 front as most of the nations across the globe did not report enough cases that could give birth to fears that the dreaded virus is here again.
Though some odd cases were reported in most of the Southeast Asian countries over the years but the spike was not that worrisome. The driver behind the surge of Covid-19 cases in Asia is reportedly the JN.1 variant and its related descendants, which are a subvariant of the Omicron lineage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated JN.1 as variant of interest, though not yet a variant of concern.
A resurgent wave of Covid-19 is spreading through Southeast Asia, with densely populated regions in Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Thailand witnessing a spike in cases. Importantly, the health authorities are on alert in major cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, China and Thailand have asked people to take new booster vaccinations.
Notably, the virus’ activity in Hong Kong city is now quite high. The percentage of respiratory samples testing Covid-positive in Hong Kong recently reached its highest in a year.
While the increase in cases could be due to factors including waning population immunity, there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible – or cause more severe cases – than during the pandemic.
Covid-19 cases are also rising in China, where the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said that from March 31 to May 4, the COVID-19 positivity rate among outpatient and emergency influenza-like cases nationwide increased from 7.5 per cent to 16.2 per cent. The positivity rate of hospitalised cases also increased from 3.3 per cent to 6.3 per cent.
The sudden rise in cases is considered a warning sign that China may be entering a wave similar to that experienced during the previous summer.
The spike in cases in countries like China, Thailand and Singapore has given rise to concerns that health authorities across India need to get their act together.
The Health authorities in India need to keep an eye on reports of a rise in Covid cases in Singapore, Hong Kong and China and implement slew of measures so that the virus could be contained before it spreads and makes lives of people difficult.
Notably, a review meeting of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control, Emergency Medical Relief division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research and Central government hospitals has been held and it has been felt that the current Covid-19 situation in India remains under control.
As of May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India stands at 257, a very low figure considering the country’s large population.
Hopefully, the country has a robust system for surveillance of viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR.
What is needed is that the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health.
