Hong Kong-Singapore 'Quarantine-Free' Travel Delayed by 2 Weeks

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[Asia Economy International Desk] The travel bubble schedule allowing travelers to freely move between Hong Kong and Singapore without quarantine has been postponed by two weeks. Originally set to begin on the 22nd, the travel bubble was delayed abruptly by the Hong Kong government after Singapore authorities announced additional testing for arrivals due to concerns over a surge in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.

On the 21st, Edward Yau, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, announced the travel bubble postponement, stating, "Suddenly changing plans for travelers causes inconvenience. This needs to be avoided."

This stance from Hong Kong authorities came after Singapore announced enhanced travel bubble measures.

Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority stated that while the travel bubble with Hong Kong would proceed as scheduled, all travelers arriving from Hong Kong at Singapore Changi International Airport would be required to undergo additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Furthermore, these travelers would have to wait for 6 to 8 hours at hotels or other accommodations for their results, effectively imposing quarantine-like measures. This was in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong’s decision to delay the travel bubble by two weeks appears to be based on the view that Singapore’s additional testing policy contradicts the travel bubble’s purpose of allowing quarantine-free travel.

However, the worsening spread of new COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong is also cited as a reason for postponing the travel bubble. According to the agreement between the two countries, the travel bubble will be temporarily suspended if either side records an average of more than five new cases per day with unknown infection sources over seven days.

According to Hong Kong health authorities, new cases increased from 26 on the 20th to 43 on the 21st. Notably, 13 of these cases had unknown infection sources.

The average number of cases with unknown infection sources over the past week is 2.14, still below the suspension threshold of five, but considering the recent upward trend, suspension is seen as a matter of time. Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority stated, "If more than 22 cases with unknown infection sources occur in Hong Kong over the next three days, the seven-day average will exceed five."

Sophia Chan, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health, recently cited health experts at a press conference, saying, "It appears we are entering a new phase of the pandemic."

On the same day, Hong Kong announced COVID-19 prevention measures restricting the operation of clubs and party venues.

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