Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 19: India has reported a mild but consistent rise in Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks, even as Asian nations like Singapore and Hong Kong witness fresh surges in infections, prompting renewed public health concerns.
Data from ICMR surveillance labs shows that the number of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples in India rose to 41 during the week ending May 11, up from 28 the previous week and 12 the week before that. Although overall respiratory infections have declined since a spike in September 2023, the increase in Covid positivity points to a slow resurgence.
Experts have urged caution, especially as India typically experiences two seasonal peaks in respiratory infections — one in winter and the other just after the monsoon. While there is no immediate cause for panic, public health officials advise people with respiratory symptoms to stay home, avoid closed or crowded spaces, wear masks if stepping out, and follow hand hygiene protocols. These steps are considered effective not only against Covid-19 but also other respiratory illnesses.
Meanwhile, Singapore and Hong Kong have reported more significant spikes in Covid-19 cases. In Singapore, health authorities noted a rise in estimated infections to 14,200 for the week ending May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week. Hospitalisations also rose from a daily average of 102 to 133, although ICU admissions slightly dipped from three to two cases per day.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health, the spike is likely due to waning immunity and lower booster uptake among the elderly population. However, the ministry clarified that there is no evidence suggesting that the variants currently in circulation — including LF.7 and NB.1.8, descendants of the JN.1 variant — are more transmissible or severe. These variants are already incorporated in newer Covid vaccines not yet available in India.
In Hong Kong, authorities have detected a surge in SARS-CoV-2 viral load in sewage samples and a rise in positive respiratory tests — increasing from 6.21% four weeks ago to 13.66% by May 10. A total of 81 severe cases and 30 deaths have been recorded, mostly among the elderly with underlying conditions.
Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection noted that Covid-19 has become more active since mid-April and is following a pattern similar to past waves that occurred in April–July 2023 and February–March last year.
Singapore’s health ministry reiterated that, as with other endemic respiratory viruses, periodic waves of Covid-19 are now expected throughout the year.