中疾控提醒4月以来新冠感染呈上升趋势，香港呼吁接种疫苗

Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in COVID-19 positivity rates across various Asian countries has prompted health authorities to remind residents to take protective measures, with specific attention to the JN.1 variant and vaccination efforts [1][5]. Group 1: COVID-19 Trends in China - The China CDC reported an upward trend in COVID-19 positivity rates since April, with southern provinces showing higher rates than northern ones. The positivity rate for COVID-19 among outpatient flu-like cases rose from 7.5% in week 14 to 16.2% in week 18 [2]. - Hospitalized severe acute respiratory infection cases also saw an increase, with COVID-19 positivity rising from 3.3% to 6.3% during the same period [2]. - Despite the increase, the overall acute respiratory infectious disease situation remains low, and the likelihood of a large-scale outbreak is considered low [2]. Group 2: COVID-19 Situation in Hong Kong - Hong Kong reported two severe pediatric cases of COVID-19, indicating a rise in community transmission since mid-March. Wastewater monitoring shows an increasing trend of the XDV variant, related to JN.1 [3]. - The Hong Kong health authorities are urging high-risk groups, particularly the elderly and those with chronic conditions, to receive the JN.1 vaccine booster [5]. Group 3: COVID-19 Developments in Taiwan - Taiwan has observed a 66% increase in outpatient visits due to COVID-19 compared to the previous week, although the numbers remain significantly lower than the same period last year [3]. - The rise in cases has been noted to occur earlier than last year, with expectations for a peak in June [3]. Group 4: COVID-19 Updates in Singapore - Singapore's health authorities reported an increase in COVID-19 cases, estimating 14,200 cases for the week of April 27 to May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week. The average daily hospitalization also rose from 102 to 133 [4]. - The primary circulating strains are LF.7 and NB.1.8, both derived from the JN.1 variant, which account for over two-thirds of local genetic sequencing cases [4]. Group 5: Vaccination Strategies and Public Response - Hong Kong has initiated reminders for the public to receive the JN.1 vaccine, while mainland China has not updated its vaccination strategy. The current vaccines available in China target the XBB variant [6][7]. - There are reports of complications in vaccine appointment systems in mainland China, with many vaccination sites showing no availability and public interest in vaccination declining [8]. - Experts from major cities in China acknowledge a slight increase in COVID-19 infections but emphasize that the situation remains manageable and within a reasonable range [9].