JAKARTA - Although the global trend of COVID-19 has shown a decline since October 2024, the situation in several countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore is again worrying. These two countries recorded the highest spike in cases in the past 52 weeks. This increase underscores the importance of preparedness for respiratory pathogens that can spread quickly and secretly.
Member of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) Central Executive Board Infection Working Group (PDPI), dr. Erlina Burhan said Hong Kong Data Center for Health Protection in the 19th week of 2025 (410 May) showed the highest rate of positive COVID-19 findings in the past year, with 1,042 new cases, up from 972 in the previous week. During the first four days of the 20th week, the number of daily cases ranged from 114 to 149.
In the last four weeks, 81 cases of severe COVID-19 were recorded and 30 deaths. Genetic analysis of waste surveillance showed all 36 specimens examined came from the JN.1 variant and its derivatives, with the dominance of the XDV variants (76.5%) and KP.3 (23%). However, the health authorities confirmed that there was no indication that these variants caused more severe symptoms.
Singapore faced a significant increase in cases in the 18th week (27 April 3 May 2025), with 14,200 new cases, rising sharply from 11,100 in the previous week. The average daily hospitalization also increased from 102 to 133 patients per day. The Singapore government identified two dominant variants, namely LF.7 and NB.1.8, which appeared in two-thirds of the overall case.
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"This spike was triggered by weakening population immunity due to mutations of new variants, although the symptoms caused still tend to be mild and similar to the Omicron subvariant, namely fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, red eyes, vomiting, and brain fog," said dr. Erlina, from an official statement.
The WHO report as of 27 April 2025 recorded 25,500 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 28 days globally, with Brazil recording the most cases (7 thousand cases) and the United States recording the highest deaths (less than 1,200 deaths). The global trend has indeed decreased, but there have been 282 deaths in the last three weeks, especially in the UK, Brazil, and Greece.
The JN.1 variant is still classified as a variant of interest (VOI), while other variants such as KP.2, KP.3, and LB.1 are included in the under-monitoring (VUM) variant list.
What about Indonesia?
Until the 19th week of 2025, Indonesia recorded a total of 6,830,545 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since 2020, with 162,066 deaths (case fatality rate 2.37%). dr. Erlina said that from early 2025 to May 10, only 151 new cases were recorded, without death. Although the daily trend declined since the beginning of the year, there was a spike again in May.
Given the short period of incubation of the respiratory virus and the risk of spread by asymptomatic individuals, the public is advised to remain vigilant. WHO and CDC also recommend updating the COVID-19 vaccine with the JN.1 formulation. The CDC recommends boosters for people aged 65 years and over and those with severe immunocompromise conditions.
Recommendations made by Indonesian people who are facing the return of the COVID-19 outbreak in neighboring countries:
1. Be alert, but don't panic.
2. Follow the development of information from trusted sources.
3. Implement Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS), including CTPS.
4. Use a mask if you are sick or in a crowd.
5. Implement cough and sneezing ethics.
6. Immediately check with health facilities if symptomatic.
7. Avoid crowds, especially ahead of long holidays such as Eid al-Adha.
8. Perform booster vaccinations, especially for children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups.
Health workers are expected to actively strengthen the system's readiness, including:
- Routine evaluation of infection protocols and medical personnel training.
- Real-time SOP update.
- Collaboration with private hospitals and logistics providers.
- Provision of point-of-care tests as part of surveillance. Surveillance is an epidemiological practice that monitors the spread of disease.
This effort is important so that we not only respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, but are also ready to deal with it.
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