COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong has surged to a one-year high, prompting the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health to issue a public alert on May 15. The CHP advises the public to remain vigilant, strengthen personal hygiene, and take protective measures, including receiving the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible.
High-risk groups, especially the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, are strongly encouraged to receive free additional booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of severe illness and death.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, Controller of the CHP, stated that based on past data, COVID-19 activity is expected to remain at elevated levels for at least the next few weeks.
Tsui explained that since the pandemic transitioned to an endemic phase, HK has experienced a COVID-19 activity cycle every 6 to 9 months. According to recent local and global epidemiological data, COVID-19 has evolved into a cyclical endemic disease. The CHP's analysis indicates that these cycles are linked to changes in dominant variants of the virus and waning community immunity.
In early 2024, the dominant variant in HK shifted from XBB to JN.1. By the third quarter of 2024, JN.1 was replaced by KP.2 and KP.3. Since late March 2025, the dominant variant has been XDV. Currently, there is no evidence suggesting that XDV causes more severe disease.
Key monitoring data on HK COVID-19 activity:
- As of the week ending May 10, 2025, key metrics such as sewage surveillance, positivity rates, and nucleic acid test results have shown a consistent rise over the past four weeks.
- The positivity rate for respiratory samples testing positive for COVID-19 increased from 6.21% during the week of April 6–12 to 13.66%, the highest in nearly a year.
- Sewage surveillance data revealed that the average virus concentration per liter of sewage rose significantly from 390,000 copies four weeks ago to 710,000 copies.
- COVID-related consultations at accident and emergency departments, general outpatient clinics, and designated private clinics also recorded significant increases.
Severe cases and deaths:
Over the past four weeks, the CHP recorded 81 severe adult cases, including 30 fatalities. Epidemiological investigations revealed that 83% of these severe cases involved individuals aged 65 or older, with more than 90% of these older patients having underlying health conditions. Notably, only one of these patients had received a COVID-19 booster dose in the past six months.
Among children, the CHP reported five severe cases so far this year, with no fatalities. Of these cases, two involved children with chronic illnesses, while three had not received their initial COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Tsui urged parents to act promptly and ensure their children complete the primary vaccination series without delay. He also highlighted the low booster uptake among high-risk groups, especially the elderly, indicating a lack of public attention to COVID-19 vaccination. Tsui emphasized that high-risk individuals should prioritize receiving additional booster doses as soon as possible.
Related News:
HK faces semi-annual COVID-19 surge, expert warns
HK's COVID-19 positivity rate hits year-high: Peak may last 4 months, says expert
Comment