UPDATE 18 MAY 2021. IT IS OFFICIAL THAT THE TRAVEL BUBBLE IS POSTPONED
https://mileschaser.com/2021/05/18/postponed-singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-it-is-official/
Singapore – Hong Kong travel bubble plans to start on 26 May 2021. However, Singapore just recorded highest average weekly community cases in a year now. So how these community cases affect the travel bubble?
Here is the breakdown of the latest 6 days community cases in Singapore.
- 29 April – 3 community cases
- 29 April – 16 community cases
- 30 April – 9 community cases
- 1 May – 7 community cases
- 2May – 14 community cases
- 3 May – 10 community cases
- 4 May – 5 community cases
In what condition the suspension of travel bubble
Previously, we provided FAQ on the travel bubble. We were quite hopeful at that time because the cases were generally low.
The suspension will take effect after two days (including the day on which the criteria was met) for a two-week period.
The travel bubble will be suspended for at least 14 days if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of unlinked local COVID-19 cases is more than five in either Singapore or Hong Kong.
MilesChaser
Based on the statistics above, we have 62 cases in the community. Therefore you may wonder, it has to be suspended now, isn’t it? OK, let’s breakdown the keyword: unlinked.
This unlinked is a vague word. This will depend on the tracing in Singapore to determined if the cases are unlinked.
Singapore is tightening up measures for travel
Starting from 8 May 2021 onwards, travellers with recent travel history to higher risk countries will have to serve a 21-day SHN at dedicated facilities.
If you are currently serving SHN, you will need additional 7 days of SHN.
Singapore didn’t list higher risk countries, but they define a “lower risk countries”. These countries are:
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Mainland China
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong
- Macau
Therefore, if you are not coming from these countries, expect 21 days Stay Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilites (SDF).
Additionally, short-term visitors and long-term pass holders with recent travel history from the countries below are totally banned from entering Singapore.
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
Conclusion. Will the Singapore Hong Kong travel bubble still go through?
Currently, there is no official news yet. However, with the latest measures in place in Singapore, this is not a good sign. Additionally, with the virus mutation in India which rapidly is spreading, I would not put alot hope on the travel bubble.
In conclusion, we will need to follow the latest update from official sources. Nonetheless, we need to prioritise safety and the control of the virus.
