Home The Echo of the Pandemic: COVID-19’s Persistent Presence in 2025

Five years after the initial shockwaves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2025 finds humanity in a new, albeit familiar, phase of living with the virus. While the global emergency status has long been lifted, recent surges in cases, particularly across parts of Asia, serve as a stark reminder that SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, remains a persistent and evolving threat. This isn’t a return to the dark days of 2020, but rather a transition to an endemic reality where vigilance, adaptation, and ongoing public health measures are paramount.

A Shifting Landscape: The Current Situation in 2025

As of May 2025, reports from Southeast Asia, notably Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, indicate a significant uptick in COVID-19 activity. These surges are primarily attributed to a combination of waning population immunity and the emergence of new Omicron sub-variants, particularly JN.1 and its descendants like LF.7 and NB.1.8, and more recently, LP.8.1. These variants, while highly transmissible, generally manifest with milder symptoms compared to earlier, more aggressive strains.

Affected Patient Reports:

• Singapore: The Ministry of Health in Singapore reported a significant increase in weekly cases, jumping from approximately 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in early May 2025. Hospitalizations also saw a rise, though hospitals are reportedly managing the increase. The predominant variants are LF.7 and NB.1.8.
• Hong Kong: Hong Kong is experiencing its highest COVID-19 activity in a year, with test positivity rates escalating. The city recorded 31 COVID-related deaths in one week in early May, marking a one-year high, primarily driven by the NB.1.8 variant.
• India: While India’s national case numbers remain comparatively low, with around 257 active cases as of May 19, 2025, several states like Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have reported a noticeable, albeit mild, increase. Mumbai, for instance, logged 95 cases in May, a jump from the state’s total of 106 cases since January. Most cases are mild, with limited hospitalizations, though two COVID-related deaths were reported in Mumbai’s KEM Hospital. The JN.1 variant is believed to be the underlying factor in these scattered increases.
• Common Symptoms: For the currently circulating JN.1 variant and its descendants, common symptoms include:
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Dry cough
  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Loss of smell or taste (less common now than with earlier variants)

Experts emphasize that while these variants are highly infectious, they do not appear to cause more severe disease in the general population, especially for vaccinated individuals. However, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions remain at higher risk of severe outcomes.

Why the Resurgence?

The cyclical nature of viral illnesses, combined with the continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2, contributes to these periodic surges. Waning immunity, both from prior infection and vaccination, plays a significant role. Over time, antibody levels naturally decline, making individuals susceptible to reinfection. The virus also continues to mutate, developing new variants with properties that help them evade existing immune protection. Increased international travel further facilitates the rapid spread of these new variants across borders.

Essential Precautions for 2025 and Beyond

While the panic of early pandemic days has subsided, the return of COVID-19 activity serves as a critical reminder to remain proactive. Here are key precautions everyone should continue to observe:

1. Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations and Boosters: Vaccines remain highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against new variants. Regular booster doses, especially for older adults and immunocompromised individuals, are crucial to top up protection as immunity wanes. The WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC) continues to advise on vaccine updates, recommending monovalent JN.1 lineage formulations (or later LP.8.1 targeting vaccines as they become available) for enhanced protection.
2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), remains a fundamental protective measure.
3. Wear Masks in Crowded or High-Risk Settings: While not always mandatory, wearing a well-fitting mask in public indoor spaces, crowded environments, or when in contact with vulnerable individuals can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
4. Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue, isolate yourself to prevent further spread. Consult a doctor and get tested if symptoms persist or worsen. Do not venture out to public places if unwell.
5. Maintain Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
6. Improve Indoor Ventilation: In indoor settings, ensure good ventilation by opening windows or using air purifiers to reduce the concentration of airborne viral particles.
7. Be Aware of Local Guidelines: Stay informed about the latest recommendations and guidelines from your local health authorities, as these may evolve based on regional case trends and variant circulation.
8. Support Public Health Infrastructure: The pandemic highlighted the critical need for robust public health systems. Advocacy for continued investment in surveillance, testing, and public health communication is essential for managing future outbreaks.
9. Address Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems should be particularly diligent in taking precautions and managing their health, as they are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

The year 2025 is not witnessing a “return” of COVID-19 as a novel and unknown threat, but rather its continued presence as an endemic disease. By understanding its evolving nature and consistently applying proven public health practices, we can navigate this new phase with resilience, protecting ourselves and our communities from its ongoing impact. The lessons learned since 2020 must continue to inform our collective approach to health and preparedness.