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HONG KONG: A travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore, set to launch on Sunday, will be postponed two weeks after the Chinese-controlled city reported an increase in daily coronavirus cases, Hong Kong officials said on Saturday.
The travel bubble, which allows a limited number of passengers to fly both ways without going through quarantine, will be reviewed in early December, Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Edward Yau told the media.
“In light of the recent increase in local cases, we have decided together with the Singapore government that (we) will postpone the launch of the shuttle bubble for two weeks,” he said. “Today’s decision is a responsible decision.”
The suspension comes as Hong Kong reported 43 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, the highest daily figure in nearly three months. He also faces more than 60 preliminary cases.
Under the “travel bubble” agreement, people would be allowed to travel between the two cities without observing the quarantine, but must take a Covid-19 test before departure and upon arrival. There would be no restrictions on the purpose of the trip.
Travelers would also have to take designated flights, and only Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines have been selected to operate these flights for now.
Hong Kong has recorded more than 5,500 coronavirus cases and 108 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic began.
