COVID-19 Isn’t Over Yet
Global Summer Comeback in 2025?
Unmasked, unrestricted, and feeling safe?
Think again: Asia is seeing a quiet COVID-19 comeback,
and subtle warning signs are popping up worldwide.
Here’s what global news won’t tell you:
the real trends, facts, and what you need to do this summer.
🌏 Asia: COVID-19 Is Still Here
- Hong Kong: 30 COVID-related deaths in 4 weeks, highest test positivity in a year
- Taiwan: COVID emergency visits up 88% in a week (over 19,000 cases)
- Thailand: 33,000+ new cases in one week, cases doubled
- Laos/China Yunnan: Bat coronavirus, ancestor of SARS-CoV-2, found circulating since 2014—years before Wuhan
- Note: The “lab leak” theory is losing ground as animal trade and cross-border movement are highlighted by new studies.
🇰🇷 South Korea: Situation Update
- As of May 2025: 100 hospitalized COVID-19 patients nationwide (slight decline)
- COVID-19 positive test rate among people with respiratory symptoms: 2.8% → 8.6% increase
- Vaccination rate for high-risk groups (age 65+): 47.4% (Govt. urges more shots)
- KDCA: “Overall stable, but watching summer for possible new wave”
💡 Is There a Real Summer Wave Risk?
- More global travel, business, and student exchange = more chances for new variants to arrive
- Positive rates rising (many asymptomatic/mild cases go undetected)
- Big spikes unlikely, but small/steady summer surges are very possible
- The best defense: keep your “pandemic habits” as your everyday routine!
🦠 How to Protect Yourself This Summer
- High-risk people (age 65+, chronic conditions): Get vaccinated or boosted
- If you feel sick before/after travel or events: test and avoid close contact
- Hand washing, room ventilation, cough etiquette: make them your daily habits
- If you’re sick: rest 1–2 days even if it feels like a mild cold
- Check official sources (e.g., KDCA, CDC, WHO) for real-time updates
❓ FAQ
- Do I need to wear a mask again?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for crowded/closed spaces or high-risk groups - Should I get vaccinated or boosted?
Yes, especially if you’re in a high-risk group or have upcoming travel/hospitalization - Why don’t I see daily case counts?
Korea (and many countries) now report only key stats like severe cases, not all daily infections