COVID-19 Resurfaces: Rise in Cases Across Asia and India Prompts Caution

Mumbai: COVID-19 appears to be making a quiet comeback, with fresh surges reported in major Asian cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. India is also witnessing a slow but noticeable uptick in infections. Since May 12, the country has logged 164 new cases, taking the total number of active cases to 257. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are the most affected states.

India’s Growing Numbers

In the past week:

Kerala recorded 69 cases
Maharashtra logged 44 cases
Tamil Nadu added 34 cases

Maharashtra also reported two COVID-positive deaths — a 59-year-old cancer patient and a 14-year-old girl with kidney disease, both treated at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital. However, authorities clarified that the fatalities were due to existing health conditions, not COVID-19 itself. Questions were raised as COVID was reportedly not mentioned in the death certificates.

Healthcare Under Pressure

KEM Hospital reportedly did not release the body of one deceased patient to her family. Former corporator Anil Kokil said she was cremated as per protocol with minimal family presence.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed both patients had serious co-morbidities and were brought from Sindhudurg and Dombivli.

Mumbai’s health system is under strain. Nearly 200 new PHCs and sub-centers are struggling due to staff and resource shortages. Health volunteer Neha Kadam shared concerns about the inadequate working conditions and burdened staff.

Asia on High Alert

In Hong Kong, COVID-19 activity is “quite high,” according to health official Albert Au. Singapore’s Ministry of Health also noted a rise, with weekly cases jumping from 11,100 to 14,200, and hospitalisations increasing from 102 to 133 per day.

India’s BMC has urged calm but advised the public to remain cautious.

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