Signaling a concerning resurgence of the virus that first emerged five years back, Covid-19 cases are reportedly rising across several parts of Asia. It is learnt that new Cocid-19 cases are on the rise in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. Following a marked increase in Covid-19 cases, Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection has issued a public alert. Despite the summer season, when viruses usually decline, these regions are reporting higher hospitalizations and test positivity rates.
Singapore, another densely populated financial hub, is also experiencing a sharp uptick in cases. The city-state’s health ministry reported a 28% weekly increase in infections. Severe cases, including deaths, have also reached their highest level in about a year, with 31 reported in the week. The ministry attributed the rise to factors such as waning immunity, but clarified that current circulating variants do not appear to be more transmissible or severe than those encountered earlier in the pandemic. Elsewhere in Asia, mainland China is seeing a significant rise in infections. Thailand is also grappling with an uptick in cases.
However, despite rising cases elsewhere in Asia, India has not reported any increase in the number of cases. But then things cannot be taken lightly. This is the vacation season and there is an increase in the number of Indians visiting several countries, especially Asian countries for a holiday and vice-versa. Hence the resurgence of the infection in India cannot be totally ruled out.
It needs to be noted that we are on the threshold of the monsoon season when cases of respiratory infections are on the rise. It is better to be safe than sorry. If deemed necessary the Indian government could make testing for Covid-19 mandatory at the airports.
