Several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore and Thailand, have reported a rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. While the increase has raised concerns, health authorities clarified that the spike is not due to a more dangerous new variant.
Singapore recorded 14,200 cases as of May 3, 2025. In Thailand, a surge followed the Songkran holiday, linked to reduced booster vaccination coverage. Singapore’s Ministry of Health attributed the increase to declining immunity, not new variants, stating the circulating strains are known and manageable.
In response, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has intensified monitoring at borders and through sentinel surveillance. The public is advised to wear masks when sick, delay travel if unwell, and keep COVID-19 vaccinations up to date.
“There are no travel restrictions, but the public must remain vigilant and continue basic health protocols,” Kemenkes said.
No XEC Variant in Indonesia
Concerns over the highly transmissible XEC variant—detected in Thailand—have prompted close monitoring. Aji Muhawarman, Head of Public Communication at Kemenkes, confirmed that Indonesia has not identified any XEC cases.
“Until now, there are none. But we continue to monitor. Last week, all tested samples returned negative.”, said Aji on May 27, as reported by kompas.com.
He emphasized COVID-19 still poses risks despite its endemic status. “Prevention includes wearing masks when ill, maintaining nutrition, and getting enough rest.”
Experts Call for Caution, Not Panic
Thailand has recorded 108,891 cases and 27 deaths as of May 21. The XEC variant, reported since January, is said to spread up to seven times faster than the flu, according to Dr. Teera Woratanarat from Chulalongkorn University.
Thailand’s Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin said the government is focusing resources on protecting vulnerable groups such as seniors and people with underlying health conditions.
In Indonesia, Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama, former WHO Southeast Asia infectious disease director, urged continuous surveillance.
“There’s no new variant causing this surge. Dominant strains are still JN.1 and its descendants,” said Prof. Tjandra, as reported by detik.com.
Pulmonologist Dr. Erlina Burhan from the Indonesian Society of Pulmonologists (PDPI) echoed the sentiment.
“Don’t panic, but don’t let your guard down. JN.1 symptoms are mild—similar to the flu,” she said.
She warned that the elderly and people with comorbidities remain vulnerable. “Hospitalized patients are typically over 64, with underlying conditions, and unvaccinated.”
Dr. Erlang Samoedro added that general precautions are still important. “Healthy habits like wearing masks, washing hands, and avoiding crowds are enough, especially for at-risk groups,” he said.
“Even mild infections can worsen conditions in vulnerable individuals like children, seniors, and those with chronic illness,” he added.
Key COVID-19 Facts – Southeast Asia (May 2025)
- Singapore: 14,200 new cases as of May 3.
- Thailand: 108,891 cases and 27 deaths by May 21.
- XEC variant: Spreads up to 7x faster than seasonal flu.
- XEC reported in Thailand, Japan, and Singapore, not in Indonesia.
- Indonesia: Zero positive cases found in tested samples last week.
- Current variants in Indonesia: JN.1, LF.7, NB.1.8 — no new dominant strain.
- Surge linked to waning immunity and low booster coverage.
- No new travel restrictions, but masks and vaccinations are advised.
Source: metrotvnews.com, kompas.com, detik.com
Photo Credit: Jarun Ontakrai/Shutterstock
