Singapore and Hong Kong to review travel bubble in late-August

Singapore and Hong Kong will revisit discussions on the twice-delayed air travel bubble arrangement “when the Covid-19 situation allows”, which is likely to be in late August. This follows a spike in local transmission in Singapore, which has led to a tightening of restrictions in the city-state until mid-August. Singapore reported a record 182 cases on 20 July, with a significant number of cases traced to a fishery port. In a 20 July statement, Singapore’s transport ministry says both Singapore and Hong Kong “have jointly agreed to resume discussions” only when the situation allows. “Both parties will remain in close contact and monitor the public health situation in both places before taking stock in late August,” the ministry adds. A Hong Kong government spokesperson adds that the spike in infections in Singapore meant that conditions for launching the travel bubble “could not be met for the time being”. A review “could be conducted” in late-August, the spokesperson adds. <br/>