This morning, it was reported that Singapore and Australia had held discussions about a possible air travel bubble between the two countries.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan confirmed that he had been holding discussion with Singapore’s Minister Chan Chun Sing about a vaccination travel corridor. He said, “Singapore are very keen to work with Australia on a proof of vaccination certificate and we agreed our officials should work together on this.
“I’m scheduled to travel to Singapore in the coming months and this will be a key topic of discussions as we seek to explore a travel bubble with Singapore.”
The goal was to allow vaccinated individuals from Singapore to travel to Australia without quarantine, and for both countries to recognise each other’s digital vaccination certificate.
In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack also told public broadcaster ABC that Australia was “working with Singapore at the moment potentially for a bubble (beginning) in July”.
This isn’t surprising: in an earlier separate interview with local media, Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung has said that there’s a possibility for a travel corridor for vaccinated individuals.
Come afternoon, we’ve got better news.
MFA Confirms That S’pore & Australia Discussing About Travel Bubble Between 2 Countries
This afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed that Singapore is discussing the possibility of an air travel bubble which will allow residents of Singapore and Australia to travel between both countries without the need for quarantine.
In addition, they also added that just like what Mr Tehan has said, Singapore is also currently in discussions with Australia on the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and resumption of travel with priority for students and business travellers.
However, the two countries are not in discussion on the concept of a quarantine centre or vaccination hub.
Australia, just like Singapore, has kept COVID-19 under control since a second wave in August 2020, although it recorded its first local case in two weeks recently – a doctor who treated COVID-19 patients. The country started its vaccination programme last month and has so far given over 135k doses to its population of 25.36 million people.
Incidentally, in Singapore, over 392k people have taken the first dose, and 218k people are fully vaccinated. It’s projected that the vaccine will be offered to the general public next month.
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