International, Sketsa.id – In mid-2025, the world is once again grappling with a concerning wave of Covid-19 cases in several countries, with Thailand among those significantly affected.

Reports indicate a notable surge in infections across Asian nations such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, sparking fears about the strain on healthcare systems and the broader impact on global economies.In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) recorded 52,917 new cases between May 18 and May 24, 2025, alongside four fatalities.

This spike followed the Songkran festival in April, which likely contributed to the spread due to large gatherings. As a result, several schools, including Ratwinit Bangkaeo School in Samut Prakan, have shifted to online learning to curb further transmission. The DDC noted that the JN.1 variant remains dominant, accounting for 63.92% of sequenced cases.

While this variant appears less severe, its rapid transmission—particularly in crowded settings like public transportation, schools, and healthcare facilities—remains a significant concern.

Adding to the unease is the emergence of a new variant, XEC, a sub-lineage of Omicron. This variant is reportedly spreading seven times faster than the flu, with social media platforms like X buzzing with discussions about its impact in Thailand, including claims of over 108,000 cases and 27 deaths, primarily among the elderly. However, these figures have yet to be officially verified, and caution is advised when interpreting such information.

Elsewhere, Singapore reported a 28% increase in cases in early May 2025, totaling around 14,200 infections, with hospitalizations rising by 30%. Authorities in Singapore attribute this surge to waning immunity due to low booster vaccination rates.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and China have also seen significant increases, with Hong Kong reporting 30 deaths over a two-week period.

This new wave raises a critical question: have we, as a global community, been too quick to relax our preventive measures? Many public health experts warn that the easing of restrictions—such as the removal of mask mandates and insufficient booster vaccination campaigns—has played a role in these outbreaks. In Thailand, for instance, adherence to protective measures has reportedly declined, particularly during large-scale events like Songkran.

In response, the Thai government is urging the public, especially high-risk groups like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to get their booster shots promptly. Simple yet effective measures—such as wearing masks when symptomatic, practicing regular handwashing, and using antigen test kits (ATK) if infection is suspected—are also being strongly encouraged.

Meanwhile, several Asian countries are stepping up public health communication and data-sharing efforts to prevent a broader outbreak.This latest outbreak serves as a sobering reminder that Covid-19 has not disappeared.

While current variants may be less deadly, their high transmissibility still poses a serious threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. The global community must learn from past experiences and strike a balance between resuming normal activities and maintaining strict preventive measures. Without collective vigilance, waves like this risk becoming a recurring challenge, disrupting social and economic stability worldwide. (*)