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In a bit of sad – but not unexpected – news to start the week, it is reported that the launch of the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble will be pushed back for a second time. Speaking on Monday, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that Singapore "is unable to meet the criteria to start the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble", adding that the new launch date will be reviewed towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).
This deferment comes amid a spike of COVID-19 cases in Singapore, which just today reported 28 new cases of which 21 are in the community. The decision announced today has been hinted at by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung at a COVID-19 multi-ministry task force press conference last Friday (May 14), when he mentioned a "critical review" of the Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble.
Slated to take off on May 26, the much-anticipated travel arrangement would have allowed for quarantine free travel between the two cities. Its launch has already been deferred once in November 2020 to this year due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.
Well folks, looks like Hong Kong's stunning skyscrapers, beautiful islands and fantastic dim sum are out of reach for the moment. For now, let's hunker down and do our part to bring community cases down. And if it ever gets too much, there are tons of nature trails, art exhibitions, movies, and delivery options to keep you happy – whether solo or in groups of two.
Read more:
Social gatherings to be limited to two people, all dining in will cease and more
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