Singapore
17 May 2021 04:23PM (Updated: 17 May 2021 04:26PM )
SINGAPORE: The launch of the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble, originally planned for May 26, will be deferred for the second time.
The deferment comes amid a recent increase in unlinked COVID-19 community cases in Singapore. Singapore is "unable to meet the criteria to start" the air travel bubble, said Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Monday (May 17).
The authorities will review the new launch date towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) .
The air travel bubble, which was initially due to launch in November last year, was deferred to this year after a rise in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
Minister for Transport S Iswaran had a meeting on Monday morning with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Edward Yau on the travel bubble.
"Both sides ... agreed to defer the launch of the air travel bubble to protect the health of travellers and the public in these two places,” said MOT.
“Singapore and Hong Kong will closely monitor the public health situation in both places and review the new launch date of the air travel bubble flights towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) in Singapore.”
The ministry said both sides remain "strongly committed" to launching the travel bubble safely.
Travellers may still continue their journey on non-designated air travel bubble flights. However, MOT said such travellers will be subject to the prevailing border control and health requirements of both places.
Singapore residents returning from Hong Kong will be subject to a seven-day stay-home notice upon entry into Singapore.
MOT added that the airlines will be contacting affected passengers to provide assistance. Passengers may also reach out to their airlines regarding their travel plans.
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
Source: CNA/zl
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COVID-19: Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble to be deferred for a second time
Composite image of the skylines of Hong Kong (left) and Singapore. (Photo: Usplash/Ruslan Bardash and Reuters/Edgar Su)17 May 2021 04:23PM (Updated: 17 May 2021 04:26PM )
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SINGAPORE: The launch of the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble, originally planned for May 26, will be deferred for the second time.
The deferment comes amid a recent increase in unlinked COVID-19 community cases in Singapore. Singapore is "unable to meet the criteria to start" the air travel bubble, said Singapore's Ministry of Transport (MOT) on Monday (May 17).
The authorities will review the new launch date towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) .
The air travel bubble, which was initially due to launch in November last year, was deferred to this year after a rise in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
Minister for Transport S Iswaran had a meeting on Monday morning with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong Edward Yau on the travel bubble.
"Both sides ... agreed to defer the launch of the air travel bubble to protect the health of travellers and the public in these two places,” said MOT.
“Singapore and Hong Kong will closely monitor the public health situation in both places and review the new launch date of the air travel bubble flights towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) in Singapore.”
The ministry said both sides remain "strongly committed" to launching the travel bubble safely.
Travellers may still continue their journey on non-designated air travel bubble flights. However, MOT said such travellers will be subject to the prevailing border control and health requirements of both places.
Singapore residents returning from Hong Kong will be subject to a seven-day stay-home notice upon entry into Singapore.
MOT added that the airlines will be contacting affected passengers to provide assistance. Passengers may also reach out to their airlines regarding their travel plans.
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Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
Source: CNA/zl
Continue reading...