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SINGAPORE: If there is an increase in COVID-19 infection rates in Singapore or Hong Kong, the recently announced bilateral air transport bubble will be suspended, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Thursday (October 15).
“There should be a common understanding,” Ong told reporters in response to a question about the precautions taken to safeguard Singapore when the new travel plan takes effect.
“We all want to control the virus and the epidemic, but in case unforeseen circumstances arise, a spike, I think we will have to suspend (the agreement).”
He added that the new initiative, possibly the first two-way air travel bubble in the region and in the world, would be done “progressively, cautiously, constantly (and) safely” to open up the aviation sector.
“We have to try, we are both major aviation hubs. We both know that the aviation hub affects the entire economy, not just the aviation industry, so hundreds and thousands of jobs are at stake. “
Both Singapore and Hong Kong “will probably have to agree on a certain incidence rate that both parties … are comfortable with,” the minister said, noting that a second wave of infections “is a possibility.”
“If something like this happens, the deal should have the ability to be scaled down in a very short time.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore and Hong Kong reach agreement in principle to establish bilateral air transport bubble
Authorities in Singapore and Hong Kong said on Thursday that they had reached an agreement in principle to establish the bilateral air travel bubble.
This is different from reciprocal green lanes or express lanes that are designed for official and essential business travel.
READ: Express Lane, Green Lane, Airlift Pass – What You Need To Know About Singapore’s COVID-19 Travel Measures
Those traveling under the bubble will have no restrictions on their travel purposes and will not need to have a controlled itinerary. Travelers will also not be subject to quarantine requirements or stay-at-home notice.
However, they will need to be negative in mutually recognized COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Travelers under this arrangement will also have to fly dedicated flights to those traveling under the bubble.
Noting that both cities have the same “risk profile” when it comes to COVID-19 transmission, Ong said: “The risk of a Hong Konger carrying the virus to Changi Airport is not much different than someone’s. coming from Jurong. “
He added: “The risks are low to begin with because we both have very low incidence rates, but the way we replace (stay-at-home notices), quarantines and… controlled itineraries is through a trial.
“We both agree to the tests prior to departure, but each party can impose more tests if they wish.”
These could include other “administrative arrangements” such as tests on arrival or having Hong Kong travelers download the TraceTogether mobile app when in Singapore, the minister said.
Quotas could also be implemented in terms of the number of travelers, Ong said in response to a question from the CNA.
“Yes, there should be quotas… These are details that we have yet to figure out, but we should start with a number that we are operationally comfortable with. While we stabilize the operation… we may consider increasing (the number), ”he said.
For now, anyone who has spent 14 days in Singapore or Hong Kong will be eligible for the air travel bubble. The only exemption for now is foreign workers who reside in dormitories here, according to the minister.
More details of the air travel bubble will be worked out when Singapore and Hong Kong officials enter into formal discussions, but Mr. Ong hopes the new initiative can start in “weeks.”
“(This) is a small but significant step, because both Hong Kong and Singapore are regional (or) even global aviation hubs.
“So that the two of us can get the epidemic under control and come together to discuss and establish this air travel bubble, I think I hope this establishes a model or template for us to forge more such relationships.”
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