What international travellers should know amidst rising Covid-19 cases
Travellers heading abroad this summer are being urged to exercise caution as COVID-19 cases are rising again in parts of Asia. Countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and India have reported a fresh uptick in infections, driven largely by new Omicron sub-variants.According to a report by Conde Nast Traveller, despite the rise in numbers, travel remains unaffected. Flights are operating on schedule and there are no quarantine or testing requirements for domestic or international travellers. However, health authorities continue to monitor the situation.For travellers, the advice is to stay cautious, especially if elderly, immunocompromised, or dealing with chronic conditions. Doctors recommend that these groups assess the need for travel and consider postponing non-essential trips.All travellers are advised to wear masks in crowded places, carry hand sanitiser, and avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms. Vaccination remains the best defence. While India has not recommended a fresh booster, Singapore and Hong Kong are advising additional doses for high-risk groups.
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As per the CN Traveller report, Singapore's Ministry of Health reported over 14,000 cases in the second week of May. In Hong Kong, respiratory sample positivity rates jumped from 1.7% in March to over 11% this month. Thailand has reported localised clusters in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Samut Prakan, especially following April's Songkran festivities.
India has also seen a modest increase, crossing the 1,000-case mark earlier this week. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the surge is linked to four fast-spreading sub-variants—JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG. The first three are currently the most common.While the World Health Organization has not issued any travel warnings, it has classified NB.1.8 and LF.7 as "Variants Under Monitoring." No country in the region has reinstated border restrictions or lockdowns.India's Health Ministry confirmed 753 active cases nationwide as of May 26, 2025, with Kerala reporting the highest number at 430 cases. Maharashtra and Delhi follow with 210 and 104 cases, respectively. Officials maintain that most cases remain mild and manageable.
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