Decision to Defer ATB Now Proves to be Correct As HK Reported 115 Cases in a Day; Highest in 4 Months

It must have been a tough decision to defer the launch date of Singapore’s travel agreement with Hong Kong.

The air travel bubble was, after all, a sign of hope for Singaporeans. A sign that things are slowly getting back to normal…

And that one day, we can travel freely once again, without the fear of contracting a ridiculously-contagious disease in the process.

But things simply were not meant to be.

Following a spike in cases over in Hong Kong, a decision to postpone the launch date was inevitably reached, much to the chagrin of ticket-holders and prospective travellers.

To put it bluntly, they dared to hope…

Only to get brought down to Earth in the most terrible fashion possible.

Decision to Defer ATB Now Proves to be Correct As HK Reported 115 Cases in a Day; Highest in 4 Months

And yet, as gruelling as the decision proved to be, it also seems to be the correct one.

The situation over in Hong Kong has only gone from bad to worse, as 115 new COVID-19 infections were reported yesterday (29 November):

A figure that’s purported to be the highest in nearly four months.

Lest you’re unaware, the previous highest tally was 125 – a number reported on 1 August 2020.

Out of the 115 new cases, 109 were locally transmitted.

This certainly cuts a worrying figure, and is testament to Hong Kong’s perception of a fourth wave of infections.

Preventative Measures

To cope with the crisis, Hong Kong has shut down bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues for the third time in 2020.

The nation also called for the suspension of all face-to-face activities in kindergartens and childcare centres in early November, and halted lower primary classes for a total of two weeks from 23 November 2020.

Authorities have also requested for the citizens’ cooperation amidst these turbulent times.

“I would appeal to people to stop all unnecessary gathering activities because the situation is severe now in Hong Kong,” Hong Kong’s Secretary for Food and Health Professor Sophia Chan said.

Air Travel Bubble Between Singapore & Hong Kong

Originally slated to launch on 22 Nov 2020, the Hong Kong-Singapore air travel bubble was unfortunately postponed for two weeks, following a spike in cases in Hong Kong.

All passengers will/have been refunded for their tickets.

Meanwhile, both cities will hold talks and a new launch date will be announced in early December, said Edward Yau Tang-wah, Hong Kong’s commerce minister.

Even though the suspension was set for two weeks, the period may extend depending on the situation in Hong Kong.

In the worst-case scenario, it may be put aside indefinitely.

“This is a sober reminder that the Covid-19 virus is still with us, and even as we fight to regain our normal lives, the journey will be full of ups and downs. But we will press on and look forward to when we can safely launch the air travel bubble,” Minister Ong had then said.

Featured Image: Yung Chi Wai Derek / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)