Transport

S’pore Working On Opening To More Vaccinated Travellers As Scheme Shows Promising Outcome

Vaccinated Travel Lane Arrivals All Complied With Testing Regime: Minister

What people miss the most about the pre-Covid era was being able to travel freely.

Though we’re not there yet, Singapore has launched a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) that allows quarantine-free travel between Germany and Brunei.

That scheme has shown a promising outcome, said Transport Minister S. Iswaran.

Source

Thus, Singapore is now working on opening it to more countries, he added.

VTL opening a 1st step: Iswaran

Mr Iswaran revealed these updates on the VTL during a speech at the Ministry of Transport (MOT) conference on Monday (20 Sep).

Source

He said the VTL was launched on 8 Sep after we reached the milestone of 80% of our population vaccinated.

It’s meant for fully vaccinated travellers from Germany and Brunei to enter Singapore, while Singaporeans can also travel to these countries.

However, it’s just the 1st step, he added.

 

Getting used to travelling safely

The initial launch with 2 countries is a very important step, the minister said.

It’s meant to help the authorities understand what’s required of all involved in the VTL.

The pilot is also to get used to the idea of travelling while complying with safety measures for a safe outcome, he added.

More than 900 VTL travellers entered Singapore

It seems the safe outcomes that everyone wants have been successfully achieved so far.

More than 900 travellers have already entered Singapore via the VTL, Mr Iswaran said.

Photo for illustration purposes only
Source

These visitors have all complied with the repeated testing regime.

Thus, the 1st 2 weeks of the VTL have been “very promising”, and “a good sign”, he added.

1 VTL traveller tested positive

However, there was just 1 stain on the promising outcome.

1 traveller tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival, Mr Iswaran told The Straits Times (ST).

Photo for illustration purposes only
Source

That person was isolated and quarantined.

But this is actually a good thing, the minister said, as it tells us is the system is working.

Travellers from other countries may enter soon

We might see travellers from other countries besides Germany and Brunei soon.

That’s because “several countries and regions” have already signaled their interest in starting VTLs with Singapore.

We’re thus “actively working on” expanding it to those more destinations in the next few weeks and months.

Source

To date, 2,500 people have applied to enter Singapore through the VTL, Mr Iswaran told ST.

Air travel still not normal

Despite the launching of the VTL, global air travel still isn’t back to normal.

In fact, It may take some time for this to happen, Mr Iswaran said.

We’re now “a far cry from where we were” before the pandemic.

Now, Changi Airport is operating at about 3% of the level it was operating at before Covid-19.

For Singapore Airlines (SIA), it’s flying at only 4% of capacity.

Source

Singapore’s aviation hub status necessary

Some Singaporeans might be apprehensive over letting more travellers enter the country. This is especially since our domestic Covid-19 situation still isn’t settled yet.

However, Singapore has always been an aviation hub, and it’s necessary to preserve that status to survive.

To that end, it’s not surprising that we’re trying to open borders as much as it’s safe to.

Through measures like the VTL, may our aviation industry be better positioned to weather the pandemic storm.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from CHUTTERSNAP @ Unsplash.

Jeremy Lee

Analog person making do with a digital world.

Recent Posts

Pilot treats passengers to pizzas after emergency landing causes hours-long delay in the US

He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.

22 Nov 2024, 6:32 pm

Woman in China grows ‘trident’ flesh on fingernail, apparently due to improper & frequent manicures

The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.

22 Nov 2024, 6:08 pm

Loyal pet dog in China tracks owner’s scent for 16km to reunite with her in hospital

The dog stayed with its owner until she was discharged.

22 Nov 2024, 6:04 pm

Newborn piglet falls off truck in Thailand, still had umbilical cord attached

Following the incident, netizens felt compelled to reconsider pork consumption.

22 Nov 2024, 5:25 pm

Dog guards 81-year-old owner’s body after she falls into pond & dies in Thailand

The dog, Taohu, was inseparable from its owner, who raised it from puppyhood.

22 Nov 2024, 5:09 pm