Singapore to open borders for business travel

ANKARA

Singapore on Tuesday announced plans to open its borders to travelers from all countries on short-term business stays starting in mid-January.

The announcement came a day after authorities approved the Pfizer-BioNTech novel coronavirus vaccine, with the first shipments expected to arrive by the end of the month.

"As Singapore moves towards Phase 3, we will be resuming more economic activities to help our domestic sectors recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes reopening our borders in a safe and controlled manner," Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, said on Facebook.

The country will institute a special travel lane to "facilitate essential global business exchanges," he said, referring to the Connect@Singapore initiative seeking to prevent virus infections during face-to-face meetings via regular testing and other strict health measures.

"This will allow us to establish ourselves as a safe and secure meeting place for travellers who may not otherwise be able to conduct face-to-face meetings due to travel restrictions between their countries. The initiative will also play an important role in supporting the revival of Singapore's air hub status and hospitality sector," the minister added.

Under the initiative, travel to Singapore will be limited to a number of business, official and high-economic-value visits for stays of up to 14 days.

"As the health and safety of our local population remains our utmost priority, we will ensure that strict health and testing protocols are put in place. These include requiring travellers to stay at an appointed facility under the Connect@Singapore initiative, undergo regular routine testing and strictly observe all prevailing Safe Management Measures," said Chan.

On Monday, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong confirmed the vaccine's approval in the country, adding: "We also have other vaccines on order, and by 3Q2021 should have enough to vaccinate everyone."

Lee said the country would provide free and voluntary vaccinations for all citizens and long-term residents.

Following the announcement, social gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed, up from five currently from Dec. 28, according to the Health Ministry.

Singapore so far reported 58,325, while the city-state's deaths toll stands at 29, according to Johns Hopkins University in the US.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid