COVID-19 cases are rising again in Southeast Asia. Outbreaks have been reported in Singapore and Thailand, prompting local authorities to review safety measures.
Indonesia's Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reports: 7 new cases were identified last week. The figure may seem small, but the positivity rate reached 2.05%. This means that approximately one in 50 people tested is found positive for the virus — a serious signal for epidemiologists.
The peak value for 2025 was recorded in the 19th week (May 5–11), when the positivity rate reached 3.62%.
The main increase in cases is noted in densely populated regions — Jakarta, Banten, and East Java. These economic hubs with high population mobility create favorable conditions for the spread of the virus.
Since the beginning of the year, Indonesian laboratories have tested 2,160 samples, of which 72 tested positive. No fatalities have been recorded yet — this may indicate either a decrease in the virus's virulence or an increase in herd immunity.
Since the 12th week of 2025, an increase in cases has also been observed in other countries in the region: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong.
The genetic diversity of strains is impressive:
- Thailand: XEC and JN.1
- Singapore: LF.7 and NB.1.8
- Hong Kong: JN.1
- Malaysia: XEC
This distribution indicates high mutational activity of the virus and the need for constant monitoring.
The Ministry of Health of Indonesia has issued a warning, urging citizens to exercise increased caution. Residents and tourists, especially in Bali, are advised to:
- avoid crowded places,
- wear masks indoors and in transport,
- wash hands frequently,
seek medical attention and get tested immediately if symptoms appear (including rapid tests available in pharmacies and online).
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