As Asian nations continue to treat Covid-19 as endemic, a fresh wave of infections is being reported in several countries without putting significant pressure on their healthcare systems. Singapore saw a spike in infections, with cases nearly doubling in the final week of March. Indonesia’s daily caseload is also nearing a four-month high, while India reported its highest single-day tally since late-August. Vietnam has ramped up virus prevention measures, and the Philippines has seen a plateau in cases since February, with only a single Covid death reported in March.
Governments across Asia are attributing the current wave of infections to a highly transmissible omicron sub-variant that, so far, has not caused widespread severe illness. Most of the population in the region has been vaccinated or has had prior infections, and authorities have cautioned that new waves of the virus are expected after lifting many restrictions.
Despite the rise in infections, hospitals and clinics have not seen a significant increase in admissions, and many countries have conducted preparedness drills and reimposed mask mandates as a precautionary measure. While Indonesia has eased mobility curbs, President Joko Widodo urged citizens to take a second booster shot, but assured that the situation was still under control due to the country’s high level of immunity. Vietnam’s health ministry ordered new preventative measures at schools and border gates to prevent community spread.
