Taiwan Reportedly Hinted That SG-TW Travel Bubble Might Not Happen Due to Winter & Status of the Pandemic

By
Victoria Lee
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Just when the pandemic started to stabilise a little, the unpredictable happens.

Oh, wells, that’s just 2020 in a nutshell.

Eating Stinky Tofu in Taiwan Unlikely to Happen

Last month, it was reported that Singapore had shown an interest in an air bubble with Taiwan. The Minister of Transport and Communications for Taiwan, Lin Chia-lung, said that the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) would be the ones to decide if Taiwan’s travel restrictions could be eased.

Some people have immediately packed their bags and are ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

However, it seems like Taiwan might have already made their decision.

Chuang Jen-hsiang, the spokesman for CECC, hinted that the proposal may not be happening anytime soon.

With the recent escalation of Covid-19 globally and winter approaching, the CECC has been stricter with the travel restrictions in Taiwan.

Why does winter affect anything? The virus thrives in cold weather. Due to low temperatures, dropping humidity and drier respiratory tracks, more infections can happen and spread.

On 30 November, the Taiwan government also announced that they would restrict the number of Indonesian workers entering the country for work. This was due to more than 70 foreign workers, who were mostly domestic helpers, testing positive since early November.

In the past week, they also had 60 infections which were imported.

So for people who’ve packed their bags; maybe change your destination to Hong –

Confirmed: SG-HK Travel Bubble Won’t Start in 2020; Exact Start Date to Be Reviewed Later

Change your destination to something known as reality.

Air Bubble Proposal

This proposal with Taiwan was allegedly similar to the one that was proposed to Hong Kong. In the agreement with Hong Kong, both countries would allow 1,000 travellers on a daily basis. However, this agreement was put on hold shortly after Hong Kong saw a spike in cases right before the air bubble.

While Taiwan has been able to contain the virus within their country, CECC still makes the decisions on travel restrictions. Despite that, Taiwan has remained a main exporter to Singapore and welcomed talks for the air bubble. Singapore had also been very active in the discussions, according to Lin.

Lin also confirmed that they will continue discussions with Singapore while monitoring the virus outbreak.

Fingers crossed, you’ll be able to get a taste of authentic Taiwan bubble tea and street food soon.

Other Travel Arrangements

Despite the delayed Hong Kong air bubble and the unlikely Taiwan proposal, Singapore is also in talks with other countries for travel bubbles.

Singapore has unilaterally opened our borders to travellers from Brunei, New Zealand, Vietnam and Australia (excluding the state of Victoria). Visitors from these countries would be required to apply for an Air Travel Pass which will allow them to stay for a short-term. They are also required to take a swab test, and can only travel about once they test negative.

In October, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that they will negotiate with other countries for travel bubbles. Other steps in opening up our borders include green lane arrangements, whereby travel is restricted only for business or work.

This requires travellers to have controlled itineraries in Singapore, as well as testing negative upon arrival and departure. Currently, Singapore has this arrangement with Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.

While many countries still have their borders closed, Mr Ong is positive that Singapore will be ready for discussions once these restrictions have been lifted.

Featured Image: Wirestock Images / Shutterstock.com

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Victoria Lee
Email: [email protected]