The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble bursts for a second time
The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble was originally meant to open in November last year. However, those plans were derailed due to a spike in cases in Hong Kong.
The bubble was due to come into effect on May 26.
This time, due to the worsening COVID situation in Singapore.
Both sides say they “remain strongly committed to launching the ATB [air travel bubble] safely. However, in light of the recent increase in unlinked community cases, Singapore is unable to meet the criteria to start the Singapore-Hong Kong ATB.”
Singapore recorded 21 fresh infections on Monday. As of Sunday, there were 38.
— Singapore Government (@govsingapore) May 2, 2021
It’s the city-state’s worst flare-up since last year
Singapore has tightened restrictions twice in the past fortnight, with in-restaurant dining banned. The nation also has restricted social gathers to just two people and closed schools from Wednesday.
Only high levels of vaccination coverage can really help to protect us – something none of these countries have yet to achieve. Singapore is now stepping up vaccination, with a million doses just in the last week. We could do the same, if we're willing.
— Chief Health Officer, Victoria (@VictorianCHO) May 17, 2021
Singapore was last month named the best place in the world to be during the pandemic.
Now that ranking is being tested – as the city-state tries desperately to get on top of an outbreak that has led to the return of tough restrictions and postponement of quarantine free travel with Hong Kong