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SINGAPORE: The air transport bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong will begin on November 22, with a daily flight to each city with 200 passengers each way.
This will increase to two daily flights to each city starting on December 7, the Singapore Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Wednesday (November 11).
Those traveling under the bubble will have to take the dedicated flights, but will have no restrictions on the purpose of their trip and will not have to follow a controlled itinerary. They will also not be subject to quarantine or stay-at-home notice.
However, travelers must test negative for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time.
Those leaving Singapore will need to apply for approval to take their PCR test at least seven days before departure, and they will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong to do so, MOT said.
They will also take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore and Hong Kong reach agreement in principle to establish bilateral air transport bubble
Anyone who has been in Singapore or Hong Kong for the last 14 consecutive days before traveling is eligible. However, holders of work permits or S Passes in the construction, marine shipyard or process sectors are excluded, the ministry said.
Travelers departing from Hong Kong to Singapore can have their PCR test done at one of the city’s recognized clinics or testing centers.
The air travel bubble will be suspended for two weeks if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of unrelated COVID-19 cases exceeds five in Singapore or Hong Kong.
The deal will resume if the seven-day moving average on the last day of the suspension period is five or less, MOT said.
READ: Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble to be suspended if COVID-19 cases rise: Ong Ye Kung
Hong Kong travelers going to Singapore will need to apply for an airfare pass and will need to download and register for the TraceTogether app on their mobile phones.
They must keep the app activated during their stay in Singapore and keep the app on their phone for 14 consecutive days after leaving.
While in Singapore and Hong Kong, travelers must also comply with current health and safe distancing measures, including the use of masks and restrictions for group gatherings.
If travelers test positive for COVID-19 while in Singapore or Hong Kong, they will have to pay the full cost of any medical treatment, subject to current medical and health policies, MOT said.
READ: SIA plans to use smaller jets for Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble
Singapore and Hong Kong reached an agreement in principle last month to establish a bilateral air travel bubble. This is different from reciprocal green lanes or express lanes that are designed for official and essential business travel.
“The Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble allows us to achieve two goals at the same time: to open our borders in a controlled manner, while maintaining security in our societies,” said Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung.
“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt that both Singapore and Hong Kong will fully cooperate to make this plan work.”
Mr. Ong added that the outline would be a useful reference for other countries and regions that have controlled the epidemic and are contemplating opening their borders.
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