What international travellers should know amidst rising Covid-19 cases
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As per the CN Traveller report, Singapore's Ministry of Health reported over 14,000 cases in the second week of May. In Hong Kong, respiratory sample positivity rates jumped from 1.7% in March to over 11% this month. Thailand has reported localised clusters in Bangkok, Chon Buri, and Samut Prakan, especially following April's Songkran festivities.
India has also seen a modest increase, crossing the 1,000-case mark earlier this week. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the surge is linked to four fast-spreading sub-variants—JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG. The first three are currently the most common.While the World Health Organization has not issued any travel warnings, it has classified NB.1.8 and LF.7 as "Variants Under Monitoring." No country in the region has reinstated border restrictions or lockdowns.India's Health Ministry confirmed 753 active cases nationwide as of May 26, 2025, with Kerala reporting the highest number at 430 cases. Maharashtra and Delhi follow with 210 and 104 cases, respectively. Officials maintain that most cases remain mild and manageable.
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