UK travellers won’t be allowed entry to Singapore from 11.59pm today due to a highly infectious strain of COVID-19 in the UK

What a lead-up to Christmas. If you’ve been following the news daily, you should be aware of recent reports on a potentially more contagious strain of the virus happening in the United Kingdom.

On Sunday (Dec 20), British Health Secretary Matt Hancock noted that the coronavirus’s new strain was out of control. In response, our Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Tuesday (Dec 22) that travellers with recent travel to the UK won’t be able to enter Singapore from 11.59pm today (Dec 23).

This newly set border measure applies to long-term pass holders, including short-term visitors who have been to the UK within the last 14 days. “To reduce the risk of spread to Singapore, we are putting in place new border restrictions for travellers from (the) UK for further precaution,” said MOH.

Singapore is not the only country who has taken the move. Hong Kong, India, and many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, have also banned flights from the UK.

Recap on current rules

Image Credits: manchestereveningnews.co.uk

At the moment, all eligible travellers arriving from the UK have to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at a dedicated facility. Non-residents have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 swab test taken within 72 hours before their flight to Singapore.

Returning citizens and permanent residents

arrival hall of Singapore Changi Airport

Image Credits: sg.news.yahoo.com

Singaporeans awaiting their loved ones to touch down safely from the UK need not worry too much. Singapore citizens and permanent residents returning from the UK will still be able to enter. But they will have to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival here, at the start of their 14-day stay-home notice.

WHO cautioned against major alarm

Image Credits: NPR

Citing the coronavirus’s new strain as a regular part of a pandemic’s evolution, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged against unnecessary fear. WHO officials added that there is no evidence yet that the variant is more deadly than the existing COVID-19, though they can’t deny that it seems to spread more quickly.

Latest updates on the COVID-19 variant

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Scientists from the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) said on Monday (Dec 21) that the new variant could mean children are as likely to become infected with it as adults.

“There is a hint that it has a higher propensity to infect children,” said Neil Ferguson, a member of NERVTAG and a professor and infectious disease epidemiologist at Imperial College London.

To this, Peter Horby, a professor of emerging infectious diseases at Oxford University and chair of NERVTAG, adds that they have immense confidence that this variant has a higher transmission rate than other virus variants in the UK.

But Ferguson states that they have yet to establish any causality on that, though the data shows it. “We will need to gather more data to see how it behaves going forward,” he remarked.

Celebrating 20 Amazing Years of American Express – Singapore Airlines Partnership

20 Years Of Amazing Partnership

American Express (‘Amex’) and Singapore Airlines (‘SIA’), 2 giants in their respective fields, share a rich and deep history. This relationship started as early as the 1980s, where Amex encouraged Card Members that it was “A Great Way To Fly Around the World with the Card” on SIA.

Source: Advertisement published in 1983

Besides that, in 1983, the Campaign on “Don’t leave on SQ without it” where Card Members can shop in-flight on SIA with Amex Card quickly struck a deep chord with both SIA and Amex’s customers.

Source: Advertisement published in 1983

Besides promoting each other’s products, the relationship deepened into an official partnership with the launch of frequent flyer credit cards.

SIA’s First Cobrand Card Launched in 2000

The start of the millennium marked the launch of the first American Express Singapore Airlines Cobrand Card, The American Express^® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card and the beginning of the 20 years card partnership between the two companies known for its exceptional service.

Its success led to subsequent launches in the following years:

2005- The American Express^® Singapore Airlines PPS Club Platinum Credit Card

(Exclusively for Singapore Airlines PPS Club Members only – for the premium or business travellers who would like to enhance their travel benefits as they fly with Singapore Airlines.)

2009- The American Express^® Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Credit Card

(Exclusively for Singapore Airlines Solitaire PPS Club Members only– for the premium or business travellers who would like to enhance their travel benefits as they fly with Singapore Airlines.)

2013- The American Express^® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card

For the miles chaser who enjoys added travel privileges like airport lounge access and complimentary hotel stays.

This suite of American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards caters to every consumer from the premium traveller to the millennial adventurer, reaching Singaporeans across all segments of society.

A Major Refresh in 2016

In 2016, SIA and Amex enhanced their 4 credit card products to provide additional exclusive benefits and improve mileage earn rates, offering card members new and faster ways to earn and redeem KrisFlyer rewards.

In 2016, the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card was renamed to American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card with a refreshed Card Face. This is a great Card for Millennials who just stepped into the workforce and would like to start on their KrisFlyer miles collection journey.

This refresh was testament to Amex and SIA’s longstanding commitment to continually enhance the benefits of the Cobrand Cards to better cater to Cobrand Card Member’s needs.

A Card for Small Businesses in 2019

Taking their partnership further, SIA and Amex addressed a gap in the market when they launched the American Express^® Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card in 2019. It was the first SME business travel card in Singapore and exclusive Business Card with SIA, providing Small & Medium Enterprise owners with access to credit terms, greater savings with HighFlyer and travel benefits to support their business ambitions.

A Lucky Draw to celebrate 20 Amazing Years

To celebrate the milestone of reaching 20 years of partnership, Amex and SIA are holding “The Perfect Vacation at Home Draw”. 20 lucky card members will win a 2D1N themed staycation at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore or The Barracks Hotel, 20,000 KrisFlyer miles, and a welcome bag filled with Amex and SIA merchandise to bring home^.

Apply for a personal Amex-SIA Cobrand Credit Card between 1 Dec 2020 to 31 Jan 2021 to receive up to 20 chances when you make a minimum spend of S$1 during the Campaign Period.

Besides applying for a personal Amex-SIA Cobrand Credit Card, earn chances when you make eligible spend and successfully refer a friend. There is no need to register for this draw as enrolment is automatic. You could be one of the lucky 20 winners on 5 March 2021*!

Visit amex.co/moneydigest to find out more^.

^Restrictions, Terms and Conditions apply.

*All winners will receive a call on 5 March 2021 or within 7 business days for more details on how to redeem The Perfect Vacation at Home Prize. Card members can also revisit this site to see if you have won.

Changi Airport offers glampcation that lets you spend a night at Jewel in comfortable tents

Looking for exciting stayover ideas and meaningful activities to bond with your family this year-end?

Changi Airport Group has announced in a Facebook post that they are rolling out a series of unique experiences and activities this upcoming holidays. From glamping at Jewel Changi Airport to educational family camps in Changi Experience Studio, there is something for everyone!

Glamping and glampcation

You can spend a night at the airport and enjoy a glampcation under the stars.

Glamp-cation in the Clouds

For the first time ever, experience a magical night under the stars glamping on Cloud9 and wake up to the refreshing view of the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex. Even without going on an overseas holiday, you can escape the hustle and bustle of urban life with a truly unique glamping getaway in a garden setting.

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in: 7.00pm
Check-out: 10.00am next day

Amenities

*An additional single bed will be set up if there are more than 2 pax per tent booking.

**75 min use of shower facilities per glamp-tent booking at Changi Lounge. Guests shall book slots, available on first-come, first-served basis, upon check-in. Time slots available from 1800HR to 2230HR

Please click on booking button to view add-on options.

Exclusive Perks

Changi Experience Studio tickets (Single Day Entry Ticket)
Canopy Park tickets (Single Day Entry)
Sparkling Christmas at Jewel (Shiseido Forest Valley Entry)
Jurassic Mile Dino Plush Toy

Specifications

Each glamp-tent (4m diameter) is recommended for:
- 3 adults; or
- 2 adults and 2 children

Pricing

Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $320 per night
Weekends (Fri- Sun, PH and Eves of PH): $360 per night

Glamp-cation at Shiseido Forest Valley

the night at Jewel’s Shiseido Forest Valley this festive season! Enjoy an exclusive overnight stay with your loved ones after a fun day out at Jewel. Slots are limited, hurry and book now!

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Forest Valley, L1

Check-In and Check-Out

Check-in: 11.30pm
Check-out: 9.00am next day

Amenities

*60 min use of shower facilities per glamp-tent booking at YotelAIR subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Time slots available: 2130H to 2230H and 2300HR to 0000HR.

Please click on booking button to view add-on options.

Exclusive Perks

Sparkling Christmas as Jewel (Shiseido Forest Valley Entry)
Canopy Park tickets
Changi Experience Studio tickets
Jewel Mascot Plush Toy
Jewel Privilege Pass for shopping discounts

Present your reservation confirmation for complimentary access into Canopy Park (Level 5) and Sparkling Christmas at Jewel (Level 1 Shiseido Forest Valley)!

Note: Access will be granted according to the number of adults and children indicated during your Glamp-cation reservation. Tickets to Changi Experience Studio will be provided upon check-in.

Specifications

Each glamp-tent is recommended for:
- 4 adults; or
- 2 adults and 3 children aged 12 and below

Pricing

Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $320 per night
Weekends (Fri- Sun, PH and Eves of PH): $360 per night

Glam-picnic in the Clouds

For those who would prefer glamping during the daytime, the air-conditioned glamp tents are converted into picnic tents during the day where you can relax over an idyllic and cool garden setting. Bring your own delicious festive spread and bond with your loved ones over the unique and instagram-worthy picnic experience.

Booking period: 20 November 2020 – 3 January 2021

Venue: Jewel Changi Airport, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5

Slot timings (Two 3h slots per day):

11.15am – 2.15pm
3:00pm – 6:00pm

Specifications

Accomodates up to 5 pax
Tent size of 4m in diameter

Amenities

Table setting
Table cloth
Decorative pieces
Diaposable plate, cutlery and wine glasses
Serviettes
Cushion seats
Air cooler
Cooler box with ice
Bunting

For add-on options such as picnic set-up, portable speakers, card games, please click on the booking button to view options.

Pricing

Weekdays (Mon – Thu): $160 per 3h slot
Weekends (Fri – Sun, eve of PH and PH): $180 per 3h slot

‘2D1N Family Camp’ and ‘Changi Experience Studio Play + Sleepover’

There are also a ‘2D1N Family Camp’ and a ‘Changi Experience Studio Play + Sleepover’ option for families with children and teens between 6 years to 12 years old, or adults.

This is ideal for those who are looking for more enriching programme which include educational workshop, nursery tour, attractions entry and more.

You will get a tent that you can sleepover in but you must bring your own sleeping bags.

Package price starts from $130 (child) and $160 (adult) for the 2D1N Family Camp, and $48 (child) and $60 (adult) for the Play + Sleepover option.

Click here to book:

For more information of the glamping and year-end holiday programmes, click here.

Here are more photos of the glamping experience:

All images by Changi Airport.

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Travel experts reveal 7 other countries that Singapore could potentially set up air travel bubbles with

The Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble was announced on Wednesday (Nov 11). By evening, flights from Singapore to Hong Kong on Nov 22 were sold out. Besides, online hotel booking platforms shared that searches rose nearly seven times just hours after the announcement. Travel deprived? I guess some of us are.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned in a Facebook post that if the arrangement is successful and the pandemic continues to stay under control for both countries, the public can look forward to an expansion of the bubble with more flights. He also added that more destinations could be considered as well.

Are you patiently waiting for Singapore to set up air travel bubbles with other countries? Travel experts reveal seven other countries that Singapore could potentially set up air travel bubbles with. Stay on this page if you want to find out if your favourite country has made into the list!

Vietnam

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Mr Christopher Khoo, the managing director for international tourism consultancy Masterconsult Services, highlights that Vietnam could be an option for Singapore to form travel bubbles with.

At the time of writing, there are less than 1,500 COVID-19 cases in Vietnam. The country, with about 97 million people, has recorded only 35 COVID-19 deaths thus far. It could be widely due to its timely coronavirus response to promote the early practice of mask-wearing, according to Minh Cuong Duong, an Associate Lecturer at the School of Public Health and Community Medicine in Sydney.

“Naturally given their good state of COVID preparedness or COVID suppression, Vietnam would be a likely choice very soon. The (visitor) numbers may not be as great as some other ASEAN destinations, but they give us confidence,” Mr Khoo said.

Thailand

Image Credits: TTR Weekly

Dr Wong King Yin, who is a digital and tourism marketing lecturer at Nanyang Technological University, shares that Thailand is a possibility.

Based on Google’s statistics, Thailand has reported over 3,800 cases with more than 3,700 people already recovered. There are 60 deaths in the country. News has it that Thailand are in talks with China to form a travel bubble. In fact, they currently have a Special Tourist Visa programme in place to allow tourists to enter the country under certain conditions.

China

Image Credits: CNBC

While travel experts do not rule out the likelihood of an air travel bubble between Singapore and China, they shared that due to the country’s sizeable domestic tourism market, international travellers may not be as crucial.

Dr Wong adds, “I think there is the possibility, but they don’t need us… their domestic tourism has already recovered (to) pre-COVID (levels). So even if they don’t have international tourists, they are doing fine. They can still talk to different countries, but it is not their first priority.”

Speaking of China’s domestic tourism, the country saw a robust rebound over their ‘Golden Week’ in October. 637 million domestic tourists were recorded during the holiday season, already reaching 79% of 2019’s figure. Domestic tourism revenue generated has also acquired 69.9% of last year’s.

Mr Khoo indicates that China’s opening up for Singaporeans to enter could be part of their big picture to reopen their borders with reliable partners. Earlier this month, Singapore has already taken the first step to allow short-term visitors from mainland China to enter through the Air Travel Pass (ATP) program.

Japan & South Korea

Image Credits: Live Japan

Ngee Ann Polytechnic senior lecturer in tourism Michael Chiam expressed that Singapore would likely set up air travel bubbles with countries that currently have green and fast lane arrangements. That includes Japan and South Korea.

Mr Kevin Wee, a senior lecturer at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Business Management, backs that claiming those with reciprocal green lane arrangements like Japan could have a higher chance to form a travel bubble with Singapore.

Kyodo News reported on Oct 30 that Japan would lift its entry ban on foreign travellers from November for non-tourist arrivals from several countries including Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore.

Also, as written in a travel media report on Oct 28, the South Korean borders are open to visitors from the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK. Of course, that comes with the need for self-isolation or quarantine for 14 days. Travellers will also need to download the Self-Diagnosis Mobile App.

Australia & New Zealand

Image Credits: Business Insider

Dr Wong remarked that Australia and New Zealand are in her prediction. Experts also suggested the possibility of Singapore forming a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand in the future.

“But it seems like they (are) more conservative in reopening their borders,” Dr Wong stated. “Although they would like tourists to bring them more GDP, higher GDP but then they have internal resources, so it’s okay (for them),” she added.

At the moment, Singapore has unilaterally opened its borders to travellers from a few countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Our Prime Minister has also requested Australia and New Zealand to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ease border restrictions on Saturday (Nov 14).

7 things you need to know about the Singapore – Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22

Apart from it being a hectic 11.11 promotions-filled day, out comes a piece of excellent news for people who are dying to travel. After the announcement of the in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral air travel bubble mid-October, it’s finally coming to play.

Here are 7 things you need to know about the Singapore and Hong Kong air travel bubble starting on Nov 22 (Sunday).

#1: One flight per day for a start

There will only be a flight a day going into Singapore and Hong Kong. Also, expect a limit of up to only 200 passengers each way. A little too scarce? Fret not. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that from Dec 7, there would be an increase to two flights a day.

#2: Dedicated flights compulsory

Image Credits: Business Traveller

As it’s probably a given, travellers keen to fly via the air travel bubble will have to hop on dedicated flights. But thankfully, there will be no restrictions on your travel purpose or itinerary. With that said, there isn’t the need to serve any quarantine or stay-home notice.

#3: COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests required

As the world battles the pandemic, the situation might quickly escalate. So even without a controlled itinerary, COVID-19 PCR tests are required. You must test negative within 72 hours before your scheduled departure time.

#4: Take your PCR test at least seven days before departure

Suppose you’re departing from Singapore, you will need a confirmed flight ticket to Hong Kong before applying for approval to take the PCR test. And yes, you have to do it at least seven days before your scheduled departure date.

If you think it’s a hassle to seek approval, then you might want to arrange to travel from Dec 1. By then, you won’t need to apply for approval to take the test. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday (Nov 10), individuals will be able to get tested at approved clinics and providers.

#5: Cooperate to take another COVID-19 test at Hong Kong

Image Credits: Time Magazine

Upon reaching Hong Kong International Airport, you will take another COVID-19 test. Until you’ve received your negative test results, your movement will be restricted to only within the airport grounds.

#6: Upon testing positive for COVID-19

Should the unfortunate situation happens, COVID-19 positive travellers will have to bear the full cost of any medical treatment. Of course, this is subjected to prevailing medical and healthcare policies in the respective countries.

#7: Possible suspension of the air travel bubble

While arrangements are in place, there are still chances of a suspension of the air travel bubble. Specifically, if the weekly average number of unlinked COVID-19 cases is more than five in either country. When that happens, the air travel bubble will be deferred for two weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “The Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble enables us to achieve two objectives at the same time – open up our borders in a controlled manner while maintaining safety in our societies.”

“While we may be starting small, this is an important step forward. I have no doubt both Singapore and Hong Kong will cooperate fully to make this scheme work.”

singapore-hong-kong-travel-bubble-graphic

Image Credits: CNA