TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, have reported a surge in Covid-19 cases in the past few weeks. Even earlier, Hong Kong also experienced a sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 patients.
On May 13, 2025, Singapore authorities announced that Covid-19 cases had risen to 14,200 from April 27 to May 3, 2025. This figure sharply increased from the previous week's record of 11,000 cases.
A similar situation also occurred in Hong Kong. The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection, Albert Au, mentioned that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for Covid-19 had reached its highest point in the past year.
Furthermore, in one week, the number of severe Covid-19 patients reached 31 people.
Citing Channel News Asia, most Covid-19 cases are LF.7 and NB. These variants are derivatives of JN.1. The JN.1 variant is the virus strain used for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Chua Guan Kiat from Chua Medical Clinic revealed that many of his patients were surprised when diagnosed with Covid-19. "They thought the pandemic was over," he said.
The Cause of the Resurgence of Covid-19
The Gulf News reported that the surge in Covid-19 cases is due to decreased immunity and reduced re-vaccination rates, especially among vulnerable populations. The Health Authorities of Singapore also stated that the increase in cases was not caused by new, more aggressive, or more contagious variants.
According to Lim Kim Show from Life Family Clinic in Singapore, most patients being treated for Covid-19 have not received a booster vaccine in the last two years. Additionally, a reduction in public vigilance towards health protocols has worsened the spread of the virus.
Preventive Measures and Booster Vaccination
The Singaporean Ministry of Health and the Agency for Infectious Diseases are once again advocating for additional vaccinations for vulnerable groups. They recommend that the elderly over 60, residents of nursing homes, medical personnel, and families living with at-risk groups receive a booster at least one year after their last injection.
The general public is encouraged to continue taking preventive action, such as wearing masks when ill or in crowded places, regularly washing hands, and limiting social interactions when unwell.
Dewi Rina Cahyani, Myesha Fatina Rachman, and Ida Rosdalina contributed to this article
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