COVID travel advisory: Countries where COVID cases are rising
Amid a surge in COVID cases driven by the highly transmissible JN.1 variant, many Asian countries are gradually reintroducing thermal scanners and face masks.
If reports are to go by, over the past two weeks, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have witnessed an increase in COVID cases, coinciding with the holiday season.
In India, Kerala reported the first case of the JN.1 variant, prompting concerns in neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These states have heightened monitoring in bordering districts. Also, the Central Government has advised all states to implement more stringent public health measures to curb the transmission of the COVID, particularly in states where a surge in infections, notably Kerala, has been reported.
Let’s take a look at those countries that are reporting a rise in COVID cases.
Singapore
Singapore has faced a shocking resurgence of COVID infections, and recorded thousands of new cases. Meanwhile, the government has issued new guidelines for travelers and citizens after registering an alarming 56,000 additional COVID cases. The Health Ministry in Singapore has taken these steps in response to the rising infections.
China
On December 15, China detected seven infections of the COVID subvariant JN.1. Chinese authorities claim that the prevalence level of JN.1 is currently ‘very low’ in the country, but they do not rule out the possibility of it becoming the dominant strain, citing factors like imported cases.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, positive cases of the virus are spiking, with 5,975 people testing positive in England in the seven days leading up to December 9, marking a 38.6% increase compared to the previous week. Experts warn that this could be one of the worst COVID waves since the introduction of the vaccine.
United States
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the Coronavirus subvariant JN.1 is causing approximately 20% of new COVID infections in the United States, making it the fastest-growing strain. It is already dominant in the Northeast, causing about a third of new infections.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, COVID cases have risen by 13% compared to November, with Jakarta experiencing an average of 200 cases per day. Despite 90% of cases being asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and hospitalizations being under control, the Health Ministry has encouraged residents to take booster doses and reinstated thermal scanners at key locations.
Malaysia
Malaysia, a popular tourist destination, has witnessed a near doubling of COVID infections in a week ahead of 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 urged people to wear masks and advised senior citizens and those with underlying medical issues to get a COVID booster dose.