SCED speaks on Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble
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     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending an event today (May 4):

Reporter: (On whether the epidemic situation will change the travel bubble arrangement between Hong Kong and Singapore.)

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Under the agreed arrangement for the bilateral travel between Hong Kong and Singapore, we have additional safeguards built in. We will closely observe the trend and the situation. At the moment, I think Hong Kong is enjoying a relatively stable and low-risk situation. We have seen the number of cases, particularly those unlinked local cases, come down to a very low level. We hope this will be maintained. At the same time, we are also seeing Singapore, despite some cases, by and large staying within the range that we have agreed upon for the suspension or resumption. So, at the moment, we are keeping an eye on this development and see how things would go.

     The most recent agreement has additional built-in safeguards, including additional three-day observation on the daily number of unlinked local cases at a lower level, and the requirement to stay in the respective cities for 14 days before embarking on the travel bubble without counting the quarantine requirement for those passengers coming from a third place. All these are the measures that we have put in. Of course we will stay very alert. If circumstances go worse, we will see whether there is a need to adjust; if things are going smoothly, stably and safely, I think it is everybody's wish to have the scheme proceed as planned to be launched on May 26. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:25

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