As Hong Kong's third wave of the new crown has slowed, the government is considering establishing a "travel circle with Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and eight other countries (Travel bubble)".
At a news conference yesterday afternoon, the Secretary for Commerce, Mr Edward Yau Tang-wah, said passengers allowed to travel in the "travel circle" would have to be tested at the start of the trip. Initial consultations have been held with the countries concerned to determine the detection mechanism for inbound and outbound passengers.
"We need to ensure that mutually acceptable Coronavirus tests are carried out prior to travel and that verification is required upon arrival. "Our health sector will then have further discussions with these countries ," Qiu said. "
With which countries is Hong Kong planning to resume flights?
Hong Kong has included Australia in the "travel circle ". (Bloomberg)
Chiu revealed that the Hong Kong government is considering the establishment of a "new crown outbreak safety corridor (COVID-safe corridor)" covering" better control "of the epidemic in Asia, the Pacific and European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, France and Switzerland are listed.
Bilateral consultations between Hong Kong and Japan and Thailand are under way. "We have all had initial contact with these areas, but can we establish a travel circle... This depends on a range of factors, including the epidemic situation and control (epidemic) situation. "
"The timetable will undoubtedly depend on bilateral agreements between Hong Kong and partner countries. This depends entirely on the readiness and adaptability of the parties to the current situation. "
However, Qiu stressed that "there will be no retreat on any risk issue ". If Hong Kong's health department is "reserved at the last minute" for opening the travel circle ," I think we' d rather be safe ".
The announcement came as the number of new crown cases in Hong Kong continued to narrow and social distance relaxed. Hong Kong has only added six new cases of newly diagnosed cases today, the South China Morning Post reported. This is the lowest number of infections per day in more than two months since July 3, the lowest increase in five cases.
Australia hopes to reopen the border by the end of the yea
Australian Prime Minister Morrison intends to build an international travel circle by the end of the year. (Daily Mail)
At the same time, Australia is reported to be working to implement a "travel circle" agreement with Pacific Island countries such as New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and Fiji by Christmas, provided health experts in the country confirm the safety of the agreement.
A federal authorities source told the Daily Mail of Australia earlier :" The target is later this year, but it depends on health advice. "
It is reported that after Australia and a country reached a travel circle agreement, Australians will be allowed to fly to the country and do not need to be isolated at the time of return; visitors from the country may also enter Australia without isolation.
Unlike state governments that control domestic borders, international borders and international flights are under the jurisdiction of the federal government. However, if the governor does not want international flights to and from the state, the prime minister may respect it. This means that Sydney residents may be allowed to go abroad, while Perth residents may be trapped in the country because Western Australia Governor Mark McGowan has no intention of reopening.
