The country will launch a segregated travel lane for business travelers from all countries, with travel expected to begin in the second half of January 2021.
The «Connect@Singapore» initiative will be open to a «limited number» of business, official and high economic value travelers from all countries who are staying in Singapore for up to 14 days, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced on Tuesday.
Travelers using the lane will be transported from the airport to dedicated facilities where they will stay and work, and undergo regular testing as part of health and safety protocols.
They will be able to conduct meetings with local visitors and with other traveler groups, with safe management measures in place, while in the facilities, the announcement said.
Further Reopening
«Trade and travel are our lifeblood. The longer our borders stay closed to travelers, the greater the risk of us permanently losing out as an international hub, consequently hurting our livelihoods. Therefore, our only option is to re-open our borders in a controlled and safe manner,» Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a speech on Monday evening.
Prime Minister Lee announced that the country is ready to move to the next phase of its approach for the economy to resume business operations. From December 28, capacity limits will be eased in public places like malls and attractions, and at places of worship. Groups of up to eight will be allowed to congregate, up from the current maximum of five.
Loong also announced that a Covid-19 vaccine will be provided for free, on a voluntary basis, to the country's citizens and permanent residents by the third quarter of 2021.
