Due to a rising number of Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, the launch of the much anticipated travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong has been delayed further. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement on 1 December that both cities have agreed to defer the launch beyond this month as a safety precaution.
“Passengers are advised to contact their airlines regarding their travel plans. The Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have been in close discussion and will update when there are further developments,” said CAAS.
The implementation of said travel bubble is meant to help facilitate leisure travel between the two cities, with the hopes that it would revitalise the travel and tourism industries, which have both been severely affected by the pandemic.
The first flight was originally planned for 22 November but both governments announced the delay on 21 November. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said then that Singapore and Hong Kong would review within two weeks on the new launch date and update again.
Locally, Hong Kong has taken steps to further tighten safety and distancing measures in response to the rising number of Covid-19 cases. In the past week, the government has made a series of orders, from mandating that dance club visitors go for compulsory tests to ordering patrons of specific eateries to go for the tests as the virus circulates.
Dine-in establishments have also been instructed to close two hour earlier, at 10pm, with the number of patrons capped at two per table. Bars, pubs, saunas, clubs, nightclubs and party rooms will remain closed.
All amusement game centres, leisure venues, museums, cinemas, theme parks, karaoke establishments, mah-jong clubs and swimming pools must also be closed.
Gyms, massage and beauty parlours can stay open but the number of patrons must be capped at two, while civil servants are to work from home, and public gatherings limited to two people.
