Singapore looking at reciprocal green lanes for tourists amid Covid-19 outbreak: Ong Ye Kung

Singapore may consider introducing reciprocal green lanes at Changi Airport for tourists from countries where the Covid-19 situation is similar to or better than that in Singapore. This means leisure travellers from such a country will be exempted from having to serve a 14-day quarantine on arrival, and vice versa. Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung suggested the arrangement as a way to help lift the passenger numbers at Changi to about 40% of pre-Covid levels. "Serving 14 days in isolation is a major deterrent to travellers, and we may have to consider replacing this with a rigorous testing regime," he said in his maiden speech to the staff of his ministry. Ong also said Singapore could explore letting tourists from countries or regions which have kept the virus under control to fly into Singapore even when they bar Singaporeans from entering there. Currently, Singapore has reciprocal fast-lane arrangements at the airport for visitors from China and Malaysia on business and official trips. For instance, those from China travelling to Singapore must do a Covid-19 swab test 48 hours before departure and after they land, among other conditions. Similar agreements are in the works with countries like New Zealand, which, however, saw a surge in infections recently.<br/>