The health departments of Singapore and Hong Kong had informed last week of an increase in COVID-19 infections, which is caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus.
In the aftermath of reports about the Golf in Coronavirus Affairs, India had convened an assessment meeting on Monday. Should we worry about this current “Golf” of COVID-19? What causes the last increase in cases? Here is everything you need to know:
The Ministry of Health of Singapore said in a press release on 13 May that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases in the week from 27 to 3 May 2025 rose to 14,200 cases compared to 11,100 cases in the previous week.
“In the same period, the average daily COVID-19 hospital recordings rose from 102 to 133 … The hospitals can currently manage the increase in cases,” said the government of Singapore.
It noted that the average daily intensive care (ICU) cases decreased from three to two cases.
Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong
Similarly, in Hong Kong, the percentage of breathing samples that tested positive for the SARS-COV-2 virus gradually rose to 13.66 percent of 6.21 percent four weeks ago (the week from 6 to 12 April)-that last year is a record high.
The authorities said that COVID-19 will became more active in mid-April this year. “Based on earlier statistics, we expect that the activity level of COVID-19 will remain at a higher level at least in the coming weeks,” said the controller of the Center for Health Protection (CHP), Dr. ir. Edwin Tsui.
Covid-19 cases in India
After recent media reports on an increase in COVID-19 Affairs in Singapore and Hong Kong, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) in India created an assessment meeting on Monday.
The meeting included experts from the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Government Hospital, Sources told Ani news agency.
From May 19, 2025, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India is on 257-one very low figure given the large population of the country. Almost all of these cases are mild, without hospitalization.
The Health Minister of the Union remains vigilant and proactive to keep a close eye on the situation, which means that there are appropriate measures to protect public health.
What causes the increase in Covid-19 cases?
The Ministry of Health of Singapore said that the increase in cases could be due to various factors, including the immunity of the decreasing population.
In the meantime, an analysis of the Hong Kong CHP revealed that the “active periods” are associated with the changes in the dominant circulating tribes and declining herd immunity in Hong Kong.
How often do 'active periods' come from COVID-19?
The health department of Hong Kong believes that COVID-19 has evolved into an 'endemic disease with a periodic pattern'.
It noticed: “After the resumption of normality, Hong Kong cycli experienced COVID-19 periods in every six to nine months.”
The Ministry of Health of Singapore also noted that periodic Covid-19 waves are expected throughout the year.
Which COVID-19Stem tribe causes the current rise in cases?
The authorities of Hong Kong said in a statement on 15 May that the XDV tribe of the COVID-19 virus has been circulating locally since the end of March of this year.
“At the beginning of 2024, the dominant tribes changed locally from XBB to JN.1; while in the third quarter of 2024 they changed from JN.1 to KP.2 and KP.3; and they have changed further in XDV since the end of March this year,” said a press release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 15 May 15.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Health of Singapore emphasized that LF.7 and NB.1.8 is currently (both descendants of the JN.1 variant) the most important COVID-19 variants circulating in Singapore.
Together they are good for more than two -thirds of the cases of locally seized. JN.1 is also the variant that is used in the formulation of the current COVID-19 vaccine.
Do you have to worry about this COVID-19 golf?
The answer is: no.
According to the information, cases in Singapore and Hong Kong are usually mild and not associated with unusual severity or mortality.
The Hong Kong CHP said there is no evidence that suggests that XDV will cause a more serious disease.
The Ministry of Health of Singapore also explained that there are no indications that the variants are circulating locally “are more transferable or cause more serious disease compared to previously circulating variants.”
In the meantime, India's top epidemiologist told Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar at News 18 that it is not necessary to panic unless there are indications for an increase in hospital admissions or deaths.
“… from now on there is nothing new or alarming,” said Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, adding to it: “We must accept that Covid-19 has become endemic.”
“The only caution for the older and immunocompromised individuals is to follow COVID suitable behavior, such as keeping hand hygiene, wearing masks and avoid busy places,” Dr. Gangakhedkar.
