Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Thailand, and other regions in Southeast Asia are experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases. According to recent reports, Singapore alone has witnessed a 28% surge in infections over the past year, with 14,200 cases recorded as of May 3, 2025. China is also grappling with a peak in COVID-19 cases, while Thailand has reported a significant increase following the Songkran Festival in April. If you are planning a trip to any of these regions, it may be wise to reconsider your travel plans or take strict precautions to stay protected.
Countries Facing a Surge in COVID-19 Cases
Hong Kong: Health officials in Hong Kong report a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections. The positivity rate for respiratory samples has spiked from 1.7% in March to 11.4%. Currently, there are 81 active cases with 30 reported fatalities, primarily affecting elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Singapore: In Singapore, the dominant strains ‘LF.7’ and ‘NB.1.8,’ both subvariants of the JN.1 lineage, are contributing to the spike in infections. Early May saw a surge, with weekly cases rising to 14,200 and daily hospitalizations climbing by approximately 30%.
China and Thailand: COVID-19 cases are on the rise in China, hitting new peaks. Similarly, Thailand experienced a noticeable uptick in infections after the April Songkran Festival, signaling community spread.
Should You Rethink Your Travel Plans?
If you’re planning a visit to China, Thailand, or other affected regions, it’s crucial to stay informed about the current COVID-19 situation. Key considerations include:
- The severity of the outbreak in the destination region
- Your personal health condition and vulnerability
- Any local travel restrictions or quarantine requirements
For non-essential travel, it may be wise to postpone your plans until the situation stabilizes. Prioritizing health and safety is critical as these countries work to manage the recent surge in cases.
