Covid-19 Sees Uptick In Asia: Indian Experts Urge Caution, Not Panic

SOURCE ; NEW18

Last Updated:May 17, 2025, 09:39 IST

Reports indicate that no new variant of concern has been detected so far. However, the rise in infections may be linked to waning immunity, allowing the virus to spread more easily

After a period of relative calm, Covid-19 infections are once again surging in several Asian regions, including Hong Kong and Singapore, raising alarms about a resurgence of the virus. While the likelihood of a severe wave in India is minimal, staying alert remains a wise precaution, virologists and health experts told News18.

Indian experts advise that there is no cause for panic, as the population largely has immunity against severe Covid-19. However, mild infections can still occur, often resembling common cold or flu symptoms. Therefore, it remains important to follow time-tested precautions during periods of active virus circulation — especially protecting children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

“While we have not spotted any unusual trend here, nor has the WHO issued a global alert regarding a new virus of concern, there is nothing wrong with being vigilant. We have all been vaccinated and are protected against severe disease. Hence, we only need to protect the vulnerable population,” Dr Saumitra Das, virologist and professor and chair at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, told News18.

Das is also co-chair of INSACOG’s advisory board. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium, or INSACOG, is a network of over 50 laboratories monitoring genomic variations in the Covid-19 virus.

COVID CASES SURGING GLOBALLY

Global media reports highlight a notable rise in Covid-19 cases across several Asian countries. In Singapore, the health ministry reported an estimated 14,200 cases in the first week of May — a 28 per cent increase from the previous week. Hospitalisations also rose by approximately 30 per cent during the same period.

In Hong Kong, Covid-19 activity has reached what officials describe as a “quite high” level, according to Albert Au, head of the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection. The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus is at its highest level in the past year. Additionally, the city reported a spike in severe cases, with 31 deaths in the week ending 3 May.

Meanwhile, in China, the national CDC reported that hospital test positivity rates more than doubled over the five weeks leading up to 4 May. Thailand, too, has seen two cluster outbreaks following its annual Songkran festival in April.

NO NEED FOR BOOSTERS, BUT MASKS CAN HELP

Global reports indicate that no new variant of concern has been detected so far. However, the rise in infections may be linked to waning immunity, allowing the virus to spread more easily.

Indian experts have echoed these findings. “I would just reiterate that such periodic upsurges in infections are expected as immunity declines and minor variations occur in the virus,” said Dr Anurag Agrawal, scientist and former director of the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), a national laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

“There is no indication that there is any new variant that is intrinsically more transmissible or causing more severe disease compared to circulating or previous variants.” He clarified that there is no need for boosters at this time. “Almost everyone has immunity against severe disease by now.”

According to prominent biologist Dr Shekhar Mande, while the situation in India should be monitored, there is no cause for alarm at this time. “We already have the protection of vaccines,” he said, adding that individuals with weaker immunity may consider wearing masks as a precaution. “Overall, there is no reason for concern,” said Mande, former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

First Published:

May 17, 2025, 09:39 IST