COVID Deaths in Hong Kong Surge Tenfold in Three Months as Cross-Border Travel Rises Sharply

The image shows a representation of the CCP Virus (COVID-19 virus). (Pixabay)

[People News] According to the latest data released by the Hong Kong government, the number of COVID-19 deaths in the city has seen a sudden and sharp rise since spring began in March. The number of fatalities jumped from 3 in February to 26 in March, and climbed again to 30 in the past four weeks.

Radio Free Asia reported that in April, key monitoring indicators reached a one-year high. The COVID-19 test positivity rate rose steadily from 6.21% four weeks ago to 13.66%.

Dr. Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, Director of the Centre for Health Protection, called on all sectors of society to remain vigilant, enhance personal hygiene and protection measures, and get their initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. He stated that the dominant variant in the city shifted to XDV in late March. Currently, there is no evidence that XDV causes more severe illness. He added that the Centre will continue to closely monitor new variants following World Health Organisation guidance, particularly watching for strains that may be more virulent or incompatible with existing vaccines.

In terms of wastewater surveillance, the average viral load per person reached about 710,000 copies per litre, significantly higher than the 390,000 copies per litre recorded four weeks ago. During the same period, COVID-related visits to emergency departments, general outpatient clinics, and designated private clinics also rose markedly.

In the past four weeks, there were 81 recorded cases of severe COVID-19 among adults, including 30 deaths. Epidemiological investigations showed that 83% of these fatalities were among people aged 65 or older. Over 90% of these older individuals had chronic health conditions, and only one had received a COVID-19 booster shot in the past six months.

As for children, there have been five severe cases reported so far this year, with no deaths. Two of the children had underlying health conditions, while three had not received the initial dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Tsui noted that even previously healthy children could develop serious complications from COVID-19.

Sharp Rise in Cross-Border Travel During the Same Period

It is worth noting that as the epidemic worsened, the number of travellers entering and leaving Hong Kong also increased significantly. In the first four months of 2025, both the number of Hong Kong residents travelling to mainland China and the number of inbound tourists to Hong Kong rose markedly.

According to the latest statistics, from January to April 2025, Hong Kong residents made approximately 9.3 million trips to mainland China—a 12.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In March alone, both northbound travel by Hong Kong residents and inbound tourist visits rose by 13.6% and 12%, respectively, coinciding with the rise in COVID-19 deaths that month to 26.

In April, the long Easter holiday alone saw about 3 million northbound trips from Hong Kong, setting a new high for the year. On weekends, large numbers of Hong Kong residents crossed the border via Shenzhen checkpoints for shopping, travel, and medical treatment in the mainland.

The number of visitors to Hong Kong also continued to grow steadily. In the first four months of 2025, total tourist arrivals reached about 16 million, a year-on-year increase of around 10%. Mainland China remained the largest source of tourists, but visitor growth from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other non-mainland regions was even more significant, exceeding 30%.

Eason Chan Tests Positive for COVID-19, Kaohsiung Concerts Postponed

According to the report, this latest wave of infections is mainly driven by Omicron subvariants, including XDV and NB.1.8.1. These strains have strong immune evasion capabilities, though there’s no clear evidence of increased severity, and they have not yet led to a surge in critical cases.

In Taiwan, COVID-19 cases have been rising for five consecutive weeks, with a 66% week-on-week increase last week alone, totalling 9,978 cases. Authorities estimate the peak will arrive in June. Taiwan’s Centres for Disease Control reported on Friday (May 16) that the number of vaccinations in the past four days increased by 21% compared to the same period last week. There are still about 3.18 million publicly funded vaccine doses in stock, and the public is urged to get vaccinated ahead of the anticipated peak.

Hong Kong singer Eason Chan also tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the postponement of his three scheduled “FEAR and DREAMS” concerts at Kaohsiung Arena. The shows have been rescheduled to the 29th, 30th, and 31st. Universal Music stated that Eason recently felt unwell and was diagnosed by a doctor, prompting the immediate suspension of all performances so he can rest and recover.