Testing Fees Top Concern About Bubble Scheme

There appears to be a lukewarm response towards a travel bubble with Singapore that takes effect later this month, with some questioning the cost of testing for those taking advantage of the scheme.

"I don't have medical insurance in Singapore and I can't see the need to go there," one man said. "We suppose it would be very expensive, not only the air flight fee but also the testing fee (and) the insurance fee."

Another person told RTHK's Joanne Wong that she too doesn't see the need to travel to Singapore amid the pandemic.

"Singapore is not too much different from Hong Kong, so I wouldn't risk to go there."

By contrast, a woman said she doesn't mind forking out coronavirus testing fees to the tune of HK$2,000.

"Two thousand? That's Ok. Not too expensive. That's why."

When the bubble scheme begins on November 22, up to 200 people will be able to travel in either direction per day without the need for quarantine on arrival. But they may be subject to as many as three Covid-19 tests.

The local tourism trade, which has been battered by the coronavirus outbreak, is keen to cash in.

A major tour operator said on Wednesday that it plans to run a four-day-three-night tour to the Lion City, one day after the launch of the bubble scheme. It'll cost about HK$6,000, including the coronavirus tests required by both governments.

"I think it is acceptable and in addition people have been staying in Hong Kong for a long time right," Yuen Chun-ning, executive director of WWPKG Holdings said.

He said the company is assessing market demand and waiting for the airlines to confirm the seats.

Yuen also said a single travel bubble with Singapore won't help the industry much, and hopes arrangements with other countries could come soon. "Before that, I think the trade is still hanging on a thread," he said.