Faced with a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly transmissible JN.1 variant, many Asian countries are gradually reintroducing thermal scanners and face masks. According to reports, in the past two weeks, China, SingaporeMalaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have seen a surge in COVID cases, coinciding with the festive season.
In India, Kerala reported the first case of the JN.1 variant, sparking concern in neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These states have stepped up surveillance in neighbouring districts. In addition, the central government has advised all states to implement stricter public health measures to curb COVID transmission, especially in states where a surge in infections, including Kerala, has been reported.
Learn more: COVID-19 Update: Centre issues advisory to states after JN.1 sub-variant detected in India
Let’s take a look at the countries reporting an increase in COVID cases.
Singapore
Singapore has been facing a shocking surge in COVID infections and has recorded thousands of new cases. At the same time, the government has issued new guidelines for travelers and citizens after recording an alarming 56,000 additional COVID cases. The Singapore Ministry of Health has taken these measures in response to the rising infections.
Learn more: Singapore reinstates mask mandate after COVID-19 cases hit 56,000, issues travel advisory
China
On December 15, China detected seven cases of COVID-19 subvariant JN.1. Chinese authorities say the prevalence of JN.1 is currently “very low” in the country, but they do not rule out the possibility that it could become the dominant strain, citing factors such as imported cases.
United Kingdom
In the UK, positive cases of the virus are on the rise, with 5,975 people testing positive in England in the seven days to December 9, a 38.6% increase on the previous week. Experts warn this could be one of the worst waves of COVID since the introduction of the vaccine.
UNITED STATES
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus is causing about 20% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, making it the fastest-growing strain. It is already dominant in the Northeast, where it is responsible for about a third of new infections.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, COVID cases have increased 13% since November, with Jakarta averaging 200 cases per day. Although 90% of cases are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and hospitalizations are under control, the health ministry has encouraged residents to take booster doses and reinstated thermal scanners in key locations.
Malaysia
Malaysia, a popular tourist destination, saw a near doubling of COVID-19 infections in the week leading up to Christmas and New Year. Despite the surge, the government has ruled out imposing a lockdown and is focusing on community tracing through its TRIIS system. The health minister has urged people to wear masks and advised the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions to get a COVID-19 booster shot.
