COVID-19 resurgence: Thinking of spending summer vacation in Singapore or Thailand? Experts discuss whether it's safe to travel

Have you planned to spend your summer vacation travelling to Thailand, Hong Kong, or Singapore? In light of an abrupt resurgence in COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and even China, experts debate whether or not this is a good idea.

However, India is also no exception, as the country is seeing a rise in cases, with the highest numbers of cases reported in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of active cases in India currently stands at 257, as of May 19, 2025.

Since May 12, Kerala reported 69 fresh cases, 44 new cases were reported in Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu added 34 cases. On the other hand, Singapore saw a sudden spike of 14,000 cases from 11,000 cases in the last week of April, and the hospitalisations have also gone up.

Is it safe to travel to Southeast Asia amid a spike in COVID-19 cases?

Apart from Singapore, other countries such as Hong Kong reported 1,042 cases earlier last week, and as per the government of Hong Kong, a rise in infections has been noticed since the beginning of March.

Meanwhile, Thailand also has that the cases double in just five weeks. ¡°With ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks, the decision to travel should be weighed extremely carefully before considering it. Although travel is necessary but not absolutely dangerous, it still demands strict observance of health protocols in a bid to prevent the risk of infection,¡± warns Dr Shrey Srivastava, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida.

Covid-19 resurgence: Cases cross 250 mark in India | Credit: PTI

¡°Travellers should remain up-to-date with COVID-19 regulations issued by health organisations such as the WHO and governments,¡± he adds.

Precautions and safety measures you must take before travelling

During situations like this, it is better to avoid crowded areas, wear a well-fitting mask, and practice hand hygiene with sanitiser or hand washing many times. ¡°As COVID-19 reaches its peak, safe travel necessitates greater vigilance and planning. On top of all else, make sure you have up-to-date information on local health warnings and travel bans to your destination. Choose destinations with lower infection rates and good healthcare facilities,¡± says Dr.Vinit Banga, Director of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad.

¡°Travel during off-peak hours if possible to minimise interactions with people. Try to reduce indoor consumption; select outdoor seating or take away. Opt to lodge at facilities that can cancel bookings and also have good sanitation ratings,¡± adds Dr. Banga.

Travel with essentials such as masks, hand sanitisers and more

It¡¯s always better to check your health upon arrival and immediately before you depart, and quarantine yourself as soon as you develop any signs. According to Dr. Banga, ¡°There is a need to wear properly fitting KN95 or N95 masks in crowded indoor spaces such as airports, stations, and public transportation. Select airlines or transport agencies with high standards of hygiene and ventilation.¡±

Use contactless payments and digital boarding passes to reduce direct contact. Verify entry requirements and quarantine policies where you are travelling, since they are likely to keep changing.

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Malaysia is aware of the rising COVID-19 trends reported in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. Thailand recorded 16,607 new COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths between 4 and 10 May 2025 (Bangkok Post, 2025), while Singapore estimated¡­ pic.twitter.com/34zsb26qj9

¡ª Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) May 17, 2025

Travelling when COVID-19 is at its peak is not safe, but with planning and maximum caution, you will be able to limit your exposure and travel safely. Always be cautious of your and other people's health before undertaking any travel. ¡°Fully vaccinate yourself and take a booster; take non-stop flights in order to reduce travelling time and stops within high-risk locations,¡± says Dr. Srivastava.

• Social distancing: Practice distancing and also avoid congested areas, particularly air-conditioned rooms.
• Eat healthy: Consume healthy food, rest well, and engage in a healthy way of life to boost immunity.
• Check on your health: Keep a close eye on your health for signs of sickness during and after your trip, and self-quarantine in the event that you fall sick.
• Carry your vaccination certificates: Take digital or printed vaccination certificates and negative test results with you. Safe travel not only benefits you but also others.

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