Singapore Covid-19 Cases: JN.1 Variant Triggers Spike in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China. Health authorities across Asia urge booster vaccinations, public vigilance as cases climb once again.
Published on: May 16, 2025
By Dr. Ashish Panwar | MedicoDrive.com
After a relatively calm start to 2025, multiple Asian countries are now witnessing a fresh surge in COVID-19 infections. This new wave, largely driven by the Omicron subvariant JN.1, is spreading rapidly in densely populated regions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, mainland China, and Thailand. Public health authorities have begun issuing advisories, warning of increased hospital admissions and community transmission, while emphasizing the importance of vaccination and personal hygiene to prevent further escalation.
JN.1 Variant Spikes in Singapore, Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has raised concern over a significant rise in severe COVID-19 cases. In the last week of April, the city reported 31 severe cases, the highest weekly count since early 2023. The city’s sewage surveillance system, an early indicator of infection trends, has shown a substantial uptick in viral load, suggesting widespread community transmission. Moreover, respiratory samples have tested positive at rates not seen in over a year. The CHP has urged older adults and people with chronic conditions to consider receiving booster shots and avoid crowded areas.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has also reported a considerable increase in COVID-19 activity. In the first week of May alone, the country recorded approximately 14,200 infections, marking a 28% rise from the previous week. Hospitalizations also rose by 30%, although intensive care unit admissions remain stable. According to MOH, this spike is not due to a more severe strain but likely the result of waning immunity among the population. The JN.1 subvariant continues to dominate in Singapore, and while it does not appear more virulent, its high transmissibility makes it capable of overwhelming healthcare systems if unchecked. MOH has advised high-risk individuals—particularly seniors, pregnant women, and people with underlying conditions—to get their booster doses, and reminded the public to wear masks in indoor and crowded places.
Prevention of COVID-19 In China and Thailand
Over in mainland China, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has observed a steady increase in COVID-19 positivity rates. From early April to the week ending May 4, the percentage of positive nucleic acid tests more than doubled, according to China CDC Weekly. The trend resembles the summer wave of 2023, with more people attending fever clinics and emergency rooms. Although hospitalization numbers have not yet reached crisis levels, Chinese health officials are encouraging local governments to increase monitoring, prepare hospitals for sudden surges, and promote voluntary vaccination among at-risk populations.
In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) has confirmed a post-holiday spike in cases following the country’s New Year celebration, Songkran, held in mid-April. The large public gatherings and water festivals, traditionally part of Songkran, likely facilitated virus transmission. Thai health officials have documented two distinct COVID-19 waves in 2025, with the latest emerging in the aftermath of these festivities. The DDC has issued advisories urging symptomatic individuals to seek early medical attention, while reminding the public to follow masking, hygiene, and vaccination guidelines.
Across all four countries, the most commonly reported symptoms during this wave include sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, brain fog, and conjunctivitis (eye irritation). While these symptoms are similar to earlier Omicron waves, doctors caution that even mild cases can lead to complications in elderly patients and those with weakened immune systems.
COVID-19 JN.1 Variant
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a variant of interest since December 2023, noting that while it has not been associated with higher severity, it exhibits enhanced immune evasion and rapid transmission. JN.1 is currently among the most prevalent variants globally. In its latest brief, WHO emphasized the importance of continuing surveillance, vaccination efforts, and public communication.
In light of the ongoing surge, official health bodies across Asia have issued a set of public health recommendations:
- Individuals aged 60 and above, as well as those with diabetes, heart disease, lung conditions, or compromised immunity, should receive booster doses if not done in the past six to nine months.
- People should wear masks in healthcare settings and crowded indoor environments, especially during travel.
- The public is advised to maintain hand hygiene, using soap or alcohol-based sanitizers frequently.
- Anyone experiencing COVID-like symptoms should stay at home, avoid close contact with others, and consider testing and isolation.
- Hospitals and local health departments have been asked to monitor trends closely and stay ready for potential case surges.
Although the global emergency phase of COVID-19 is officially over, the virus continues to evolve. These current developments in Asia remind us that complacency is not an option. With public awareness, responsible behavior, and timely vaccination, the impact of this resurgence can be minimized.
For verified health news, disease trends, and professional insights, follow MedicoDrive.com.
References:
- Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection
- Ministry of Health, Singapore
- China CDC Weekly
- Thailand Department of Disease Control
- World Health Organization – COVID-19 Dashboard
Hello, I am Dr. Ashish. I have lot of experience in medical field and education, I have gained lot of knowledge in my entrance exam life and medical studies which I want to share with everyone so that I can help more and more people.