UK - More areas move to Tier 4 to limit the spread of the virus as case rates rise across the country

After careful consideration of the latest data, the following local authority areas will move to Tier 4: Stay at Home from the beginning of Thursday 31 December 2020:

• Leicester City
• Leicestershire (Oadby and Wigston, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Blaby, Charnwood, North West Leicestershire, Melton)
• Lincolnshire (City of Lincoln, Boston, South Kesteven, West Lindsey, North Kesteven, South Holland, East Lindsey)
• Northamptonshire (Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire, Wellingborough)
• Derby and Derbyshire (Derby, Amber Valley, South Derbyshire, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Erewash, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak)
• Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (Gedling, Ashfield, Mansfield, Rushcliffe, Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire, Broxtowe)
• Birmingham and Black Country (Dudley, Birmingham, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton)
• Coventry
• Solihull
• Warwickshire (Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Warwick, North Warwickshire, Stratford-upon-Avon)
• Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (East Staffordshire, Stafford, South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Staffordshire Moorlands, Newcastle under Lyme, Tamworth, Stoke-on-Trent)
• Lancashire (Burnley, Pendle, Blackburn with Darwen, Ribble Valley, Blackpool, Preston, Hyndburn, Chorley, Fylde, Lancaster, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre)
• Cheshire and Warrington (Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington)
• Cumbria (Eden, Carlisle, South Lakeland, Barrow-in-Furness, Copeland, Allerdale)
• Greater Manchester (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan)
• Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees )
• North East (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland)
• Gloucestershire (Gloucester, Forest of Dean, Cotswolds, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cheltenham)
• Somerset Council (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, South Somerset)
• Swindon
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• Isle of Wight
• New Forest

READ MORE HERE

READ PRIME MINISTER STATEMENT HERE

READ HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SECRETARY STATEMENT HERE

Indonesia will temporarily close the entry of foreigners from all countries to Indonesia, except holders of diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits; and holders of limited stay permit (KITAS) and residence permit cards fixed (KITAP)

From 1 - 14 January 2021 Indonesia will temporarily close the entry of foreigners from all countries to Indonesia, except:

• ​Holders of diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits; and
• Holders of limited stay permit (KITAS) and residence permit cards fixed (KITAP)

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - Additional COVID-19 tests for returnees from higher risk countries

• New virus variants and ongoing high rates of diseases in some countries prompt additional border protections

• Extra (day zero or day one) test to be in place this week

• New ways of reducing risk before people embark on travel being investigated, including pre-departure testing for people leaving the United Kingdom for New Zealand, with a view to implementing added measures from mid-January; other higher risk countries to be considered on a case-by-case basis

An additional test for COVID-19 will be required for returnees from higher risk countries such as the United Kingdom on their arrival in New Zealand from midnight on 31 December, Minister for COVID-19 Response Chris Hipkins announced.

READ MORE HERE

China - Exchanging money easier in Shanghai

Shanghai became the first city in China to launch a pilot policy that simplifies currency exchange services for foreigners.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Measures for travellers tightened

The Government has gazetted the specifications under relevant regulations to tighten the compulsory quarantine requirements for people arriving in Hong Kong who have stayed in places outside China and restrict the boarding of those who have stayed in South Africa for Hong Kong.

READ THE NEWS HERE

Japan - Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19

For the time being, foreign nationals who have stayed in any of the following 152 countries/regions within 14 days prior to the application for landing are denied to enter Japan in pursuant to the Article 5, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, unless special exceptional circumstances are found. 

READ MORE HERE

Kylie Minogue - Slow (INFINITE DISCO)

Hands up if you had <Slow> on repeat mode in your playlist. Our fav Queen brings back this classic in Infinite Disco remix. Disco has never been sexier!

Merry Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas! Original video premiered on my Youtube channel today.

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers From The Republic of Korea

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation, and will be tightening border measures given the sustained surge in cases in the Republic of Korea (ROK). 

All travellers entering Singapore from 26 December 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to the Republic of Korea will now be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities.

READ MORE HERE

China - Tariffs for imports to be lowered next year

China will reduce or cancel tariffs on certain imported goods and materials starting in 2021 in a bid to expand imports, boost the domestic market and support the formation of high-standard free trade areas under the country's new "dual-circulation" development paradigm, according to the Ministry of Finance.

READ MORE HERE

South Korea - Visa Application Fees

Different fees are applicable to certain countries.

READ MORE HERE

Philippines - Aliens from UK restricted from PH

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Jaime Morente announced that they will be implementing the resolution from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) banning all flights from the United Kingdom (UK) effective December 24.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Singapore - Work pass holders required to update MOM on new residential address or mobile number within five days of any change

With effect from 23 December 2020, all work pass holders, excluding foreign domestic workers (FDWs), are required to update the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on their new residential address or mobile number within five days of any change, as part of their work pass conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations (EFMR).

READ MORE HERE

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Live From Late Night With Seth M...

Even though 2020 has been real nasty but have yourself a Merry Little Christmas regardless!

Australia - Restrictions Are Changing For Sydney's Northern Beaches Area / Check Restrictions Before Your Domestic Border Travel

READ MORE HERE

READ MORE HERE FOR SYDNEY'S NORTHERN BEACHES AREA

EU-UK relations: parliament adopts temporary contingency measures

On 18 December 2020, Parliament adopted measures to ensure basic road and air connections in case no agreement is reached on EU-UK future relations.

READ MORE HERE

India - Temporary suspension of flights from united Kingdom to India

In view of emerging covid-19 situation in United Kingdom, the competent authority has temporarily suspended flights to/from United Kingdom with effect from 2359 hours IST of 22nd December, 2020. 

Therefore, no flights from united Kingdom will land in India after 2359 hours IST of 22nd  December, 2020. The airlines shall enforce this at the port of initial departure. 

Consequently, flights from India to united Kingdom shall also remain suspended. However, this restriction shall not apply to International all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers From United Kingdom And New South Wales, Australia

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and will be tightening border measures given the deteriorating situation in the United Kingdom, and resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

READ MORE HERE

UK - The Prime Minister has announced tougher restrictions for parts of England with a new Tier 4: ‘Stay at Home’ alert level

The decision follows a rapid rise in infections attributed to the rapid spread of a new variant of COVID-19.

Based on preliminary modelling data, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG) now consider that the new strain can spread significantly more quickly and could increase R by 0.4 or more. New and existing data will continue to be analysed as we learn more about the variant.

READ MORE HERE

A Day in S.E.A Aquarium

Use your SingaporeReDiscover vouchers to fall in love with your home country all over again. Been awhile since my last YT video!

蔡依林 Jolin Tsai《甜秘密 Sweet Guilty Pleasure》Official Music Video

越玩越随心所欲的Jolin是不是又要得奖了？《甜秘密 Sweet Guilty Pleasure》今天首播！

Australia - National Cabinet Discussed The Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, International Border Arrangements and Priorities for 2021 To Support Australia COVID-19 Recovery

The National Cabinet has held its 32nd meeting in Canberra.  

At the final meeting of the year, leaders discussed Australia’s economic recovery, the COVID-19 response, the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, the Framework for National Reopening by Christmas, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and measures to get the economy moving again.

READ MORE HERE

France - Restrictions and Requirements In Metropolitan France

A nightly curfew is currently in force in metropolitan France. Between 8PM and 6AM you may only leave your residence for the following reasons and with an exemption certificate:

• Commuting to and from work, school or training place; carrying out essential business trips that cannot be postponed;
• Medical appointments that cannot be carried out remotely or postponed;
• Essential family reasons, assisting vulnerable persons, persons in a precarious situation or taking care of children;
• Persons with a disability and their accompanying person;
• Judicial or administrative summons;
• Participating in a mission of general interest upon request from an administrative authority;
• Air or rail transit related to long distance journeys;
• Walking a pet outdoors within 1km of one’s place of residence and for a brief amount of time.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - A total of six hotels will operate as a designated quarantine hotel from December 18 to solely receive travellers arriving from foreign places for compulsory quarantine

A total of six hotels will operate as a designated quarantine hotel from December 18 to solely receive travellers arriving from foreign places for compulsory quarantine, the Government announced.
 
The six hotels are Dorsett Tsuen Wan, Dorsett Wanchai, Mojo Nomad Aberdeen Harbour, Regal Oriental Hotel, The Kimberley Hotel and The Kowloon Hotel.

READ THE NEWS HERE

READ THE SPECIFICATIONS HERE

UK - Transport Secretary announces launch of COVID-19 testing strategy for international arrivals

• from today passengers arriving in England have the option to shorten the self-isolation by up to half on receipt of a negative COVID-19 test
• private providers list is live on GOV.UK, protecting NHS Test and Trace capacity
• anyone released from self-isolation following a negative test result must comply with the current domestic rules in their local area

Passengers arriving into England from 15 December 2020 will be able to choose to pay for a private test and potentially shorten their self-isolation as the government’s testing strategy for international arrivals goes live.

READ MORE HERE

邱鋒澤FENG ZE X 黃偉晉 Wayne【潛台詞 UNSPOKEN】Official MV

能写能谱能唱的才华兄弟连MV都很有质感

曲：邱鋒澤 ，張暐弘 詞：黃偉晉 製作/ 編曲：張暐弘 Hoong 錄音師：張暐弘 Hoong 錄音室：原音兄弟股份有限公司 混音師：陳禹丞 Nick Chen 混音室：原音兄弟股份有限公司 母帶工程師：張暐弘 Hoong 母帶工作室：原音兄弟股份有限公司 車窗外雨滴分歧的流下 像是我們啊 躲不過變化 面對著你我沒有一句話 轉身的當下 淚卻一直下 曾緊握的手 慢慢的收 愛有多洶湧 就有多痛 你眼前的我 把心真空 每個動作背後都藏著痛 悶住傷口 就讓我偽裝 所有和你的過往 所有和你的牽絆 放開不代表我放得下 讓我習慣 背負著所有真相 願你看出這模樣 潛台詞是留下 如果你在我身上能發洩 我願意當個壞人 I'm okay 抱歉我擅自決定Fade away Fade away fade away 你的質問像一道道傷疤 平靜卻無法 輕易被抹煞 有些分開不適合說真話 只好看著它 讓自己腐化 曾緊握的手 慢慢的收 愛有多洶湧 就有多痛 你眼前的我 把心真空 時間會帶過所有對和錯 包括傷痛 就讓我偽裝 所有和你的過往 所有和你的牽絆 放開不代表我放得下 讓我習慣 背負著所有真相 願你看出這模樣 潛台詞是留下 如果你在我身上能發洩 我願意當個壞人 I'm okay 如果你還有一點點懷念 全都 take away 全都 take away 如果你在我身上能發洩 我願意當個壞人 I'm okay 抱歉我擅自決定Fade away Fade away fade away

Singapore / France - Framework of a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) Agreed

Mr Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness of the French Republic, and Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, agreed on the framework of a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL). 

Both Singapore and France are actively working towards implementing an RGL as soon as possible to facilitate essential short-term business and official travel, with necessary health safeguards in place to ensure the safety of everyone.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - A new initiative, Connect@Singapore was announced to Re-open Borders in a Controlled and Safe Manner

A new initiative, Connect@Singapore was announced today by Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing. Connect@Singapore is part of Singapore’s efforts to re-open our borders in a controlled and safe manner. 

This will facilitate essential global business exchanges and support the revival of Singapore’s air hub status and hospitality sector.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

READ THE EMBARGOED PRESS RELEASE HERE

HKSAR - Immigration Department service arrangements / Quarantine hotel scheme updated

In light of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's further tightened measures against the latest situation of the epidemic, the Immigration Department (ImmD) announced the adjustment of provision of emergency and essential services to members of the public from December 10 until further notice.

The Government said designated quarantine hotels which can complete relevant preparatory work can start operating as a designated quarantine hotel earlier, to be effective from December 18.
 
The hotels must meet the Government’s infection control requirements under the Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme and solely serve quarantine guests in their hotels.

READ MORE ON IMMIGRATION DEPT SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS HERE

READ THE PRESS RELEASE ON QUARANTINE HOTEL SCHEME HERE

READ MORE ON DESIGNATED HOTELS FOR QUARANTINE HERE

taylor swift - willow (official music video)

Our favourite princess has once again defied all expectations and dropping her latest album, this fearless lass is going all out to fight her way against the mogul, you go girl! And <Willow> is simply lovely.

Singapore - Update on Border Measures For Travellers From Hong Kong / Border Restrictions To Be Lifted For Visitors From Taiwan

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation, and will be tightening border measures given the deteriorating outbreak situation in Hong Kong. 

All travellers entering Singapore from 13 December 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Hong Kong will now be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

All travellers (except Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs)) entering Singapore from 18 December 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Hong Kong will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure.

Travellers from Hong Kong to Serve 14-Day SHN at Dedicated SHN Facilities and have Pre-Departure Test (PDT).

From 18 December 2020, 0000 hours, Singapore will lift our border restrictions for visitors[1] from Taiwan.

Taiwan has a comprehensive public health surveillance system and has displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past 28 days, Taiwan has zero local COVID-19 cases. The risk of importation from Taiwan is low.

READ HERE FOR BORDER MEASURES FOR TRAVELLERS FROM HONG KONG

READ HERE FOR LIFTING OF BORDER RESTRICTIONS FOR VISITORS FROM TAIWAN

UK - Botswana and Saudi Arabia added to travel corridor list of exempt countries

• Botswana and Saudi Arabia added to the list of travel corridors for the UK having been assessed by the Joint Biosecurity Centre as posing a lower infection risk
• Canary Islands removed from the list of travel corridors for the UK
• travellers urged to check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before travelling and will be required to fill in a passenger locator form before returning home

READ MORE HERE

UK - Everyone in the UK who trades with Europe or under the Northern Ireland Protocol will be affected by new customs and tax rules from 1 January 2021

With less than a month to go until the Brexit transition period ends, HMRC has sent 250,000 letters and emails to VAT-registered traders, urging them to get ready for new trading rules with Europe.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore / UK - Enhancing Bilateral Economic Relations By Signing A Free Trade Agreement And Agreeing To Work Towards A Digital Economy Agreement

Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for International Trade Elizabeth Truss signed the UKSingapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Singapore. 

They also agreed to start scoping the modules of a UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA), with a view to launching negotiations on the DEA in 2021.

READ THE EMBARGOED PRESS RELEASE HERE

READ THE UK PRESS RELEASE HERE

READ MORE HERE

Thailand - Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to propose tourist stay extension to 45 days

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to propose to the Prime Minister an extension of the current special tourist visa’s validity from 30 to 45 days, while remaining confident the COVID-19 situation will be under control by the end of the Emergency Decree which is currently active.

The National Security Council’s Secretary General Gen Nattapon Nakpanich, the Director of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), has convened a special committee meeting with officials of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider further relaxing COVID-19 control measures.

READ THE NEWS HERE

Australia - Registrations now open for JobMaker Hiring Credit

Eligible employers are now able to register for the new JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme, being administered by the ATO on behalf of the Government.

The JobMaker Hiring Credit payment is a wage subsidy paid directly to employers that will help to accelerate growth in the employment of young people during the COVID-19 economic recovery. The scheme is an incentive for businesses to employ additional job seekers aged 16 to 35 years.

READ MORE HERE

Mariah Carey - Oh Santa! (Official Music Video) ft. Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson

Let's keep the Christmas-y vibes coming! 

HKSAR - Government further tightens social distancing measures and extends expiry dates of Regulations under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

In view of the development of COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Government announces December 8 that it will further tighten social distancing measures with effect from December 10, 2020 for a period of 14 days to December 23, 2020, and will extend the expiry dates of various regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) to March 31, 2021.

A spokesman for the Food and Health Bureau said, "Hong Kong is experiencing a peak period of COVID-19 epidemic." 

Although the Government has tightened social distancing measures since December 2 to suppress the latest wave of the epidemic, the Government has not observed significant reduction of gathering activities in the community. 

It is imperative to adopt more stringent measures in order to discourage members of the public from going out unnecessarily.

READ THE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES HERE

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Malaysia - Notice Cancellation Of Appointment Setting Effective 9 December 2020 For Malaysia International Passport Renewal

Effective 9 December 2020, email service for Malaysia International Passport collection via email appointment will be stopped. 

Passport renewal will resume via walk in to High Commission of Malaysia.

READ MORE HERE

“Korea-Viet Nam Special Entry Procedure” aimed at supporting the essential travel of business people between the two countries to be Implemented from January 1, 2021

On the occasion of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Lee Taeho’s courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Pham Binh Minh on December 4, the governments of Korea and Viet Nam have agreed to implement the “Korea-Viet Nam special entry procedure” aimed at supporting the essential travel of business people between the two countries from January 1, 2021.

READ MORE HERE

The UK and Switzerland agree Services Mobility Agreement

The UK and Switzerland have secured a far-reaching agreement on services that maintains high quality access for UK service suppliers to the Swiss market.

The deal is part of the government’s strategy to place the UK at the centre of a network of modern free trade agreements with dynamic economies, and to enhance our status as a global services hub.

The UK-Switzerland Services Mobility Agreement will allow UK professionals and other service workers to continue travelling freely to Switzerland and work visa-free for up to 90 days a year.

READ MORE HERE

Carrie Underwood - Let There Be Peace (Live From The Today Show / 2020)

Yes, let there be peace through our favourite country queen's soulful voice.

BCW - BCW FT. 家家《東岸》 ft. Jia Jia

東岸 BCW FT. 家家 詞：BCW（王濬傑） 曲：BCW（王濬傑）、A-Flight（崔欽翔） Guess who’s back 帶著東海岸的 vibes Got my vans on 還是 Air Force white 掀起新浪潮 沒有別的路 so true Ain’t no tattoo 我有的只有是態度 不怠速 real quick 秒把低潮給剁碎 Hell yeah 掌控一切球員兼教練 J I to the double g y vip JIGGY 繼續屹立 其他得聾啞病 曾經我的世界 被負面給包圍 周圍星空是黯淡 幾乎像是我瞎眼 累積的誤解堆疊 怎麼都無法銷毀 淹沒在蜚語流言 向我往頭上澆水 終究不是溫室花朵 我還是罩的住 渴望驅使我追逐 不管多大的霧 餓的不只要魚 還要你手上釣竿 Titanic 遇上冰山 鐵定要翻 drop What ever you say 從不在意那些 I ain’t worry about nothin I ain’t worry about nothin What ever I do I’m feeling so good We ain’t worry about nothin We ain’t worry about nothin 關於這旋律怎麼來的 膚色是亮黑還白的 來自東海岸 的 favors Baby Can I do this one more time What ever you say 從不在意那些 I ain’t worry about nothin We ain’t worry about nothin 一切像是意外 記憶體沒記載 地點在境外 不信你問ty 我把阻礙踢歪 黑特全部氣歪 搖擺這個時代 千萬別太意外 張開你的eye 千萬別壓抑 後續你會很訝異 要怎麼駕馭 目光轉移下一句 到聚集地 幫你過濾下疑慮 My flow like water like new splash brothers 感受那麼深刻 零訊號也能偵測 Before the fame Before I drop the chains Do the one last time for me Do the one last time for me Do the one last time for me Do the one last time for me What ever you say 從不在意那些 I ain’t worry about nothin I ain’t worry about nothin What ever I do I’m feeling so good

Vietnam - Temporary suspension of incoming commercial flights

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has decided to temporarily suspend commercial flights while chairing a meeting on Covid-19 response.

 
READ MORE HERE

王心凌 Cyndi Wang – 大眠 (Official Music Video)

《大眠》 詞：施人誠 曲：張簡君偉 感謝他把我 當成傻子 每天都哄我 上當一次 清醒一輩子 也就那樣子 不介意用愛 來醉生夢死 原來被催眠 真有意思 我樂於作個 敬業人質 沒空再去對誰解釋 是我自己把自己挾持 不關他的事 都快忘了怎樣戀一個愛 我被虛度了的青春也許還能活過來 說心疼我的更應該明白 我當然會沈醉個痛快 就讓我陪他戀完這場愛 只求心花終於盛開 就沒有別的期待 等夢完醒來 再去收拾殘骸 如果不失去理智 愛情要從何開始 傻傻的騙子 和騙人的傻子 才可能一生一世

Indonesia - STARTING 1 DECEMBER 2020, CONSULAR SERVICES REGARDING LEGALIZATION OF DOCUMENTS BUSINESS/COMPANY/NON-INDONESIAN(FOREIGNER) AND PERSONAL DOCUMENTS/INDONESIAN CITIZEN WILL BE USING A NEW FORMAT (STICKER LEGALIZATION)

STARTING 1 DECEMBER 2020, CONSULAR SERVICES REGARDING LEGALIZATION OF DOCUMENTS BUSINESS/COMPANY/NON-INDONESIAN(FOREIGNER) AND PERSONAL DOCUMENTS/INDONESIAN CITIZEN WILL BE USING A NEW FORMAT (STICKER LEGALIZATION).

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Group gathering rules to tighten

The Executive Council has endorsed the tightening of requirements on group gatherings, the Government announced.

The Food & Health Bureau said the local COVID-19 epidemic situation has entered a critical stage. There have been several hundreds of confirmed cases reported from the large outbreak cluster caused by group gathering activities, notably dancing and singing, in indoor premises.

READ MORE HERE

Ireland - From 2nd December 2020, customers renewing their immigration registration will no longer need to submit their passport to have an immigration stamp attached by their Registration Office

From 2nd December 2020, customers renewing their immigration registration will no longer need to submit their passport to have an immigration stamp attached by their Registration Office. 

This applies to renewals made in the Burgh Quay Registration Office in Dublin and renewals made in local Registration Offices at Garda Stations nationwide. 

READ MORE HERE

茄子蛋EggPlantEgg - 浪子回頭 Back Here Again (Official Music Video)

爱上了，真的爱了。

“看三小啦？”

“看你缘投啦。”

《浪子回頭》 作詞：黃奇斌 作曲：黃奇斌 原編曲：茄子蛋 編曲：黃冠龍 菸一支一支一支的點 酒一杯一杯一杯的乾 請你要體諒我 我酒量不好賣給我衝康 時間一天一天一天的走 汗一滴一滴一滴的流 有一天 咱都老 帶某子逗陣 浪子回頭 親愛的 可愛的 英俊的 朋友 垃圾的 沒品的 沒路用的 朋友 佇坎坷的路騎我兩光摩托車 橫豎我的人生甘哪狗屎 我沒錢沒某沒子甘哪一條命 朋友阿 逗陣來搏 菸一支一支一支的點 酒一杯一杯一杯的乾 請你要體諒我 我酒量不好賣給我衝康 時間一天一天一天的走 汗一滴一滴一滴的流 有一天 咱都老 帶某子逗陣 浪子回頭

China - New policies on financial discipline in pipeline

China plans to impose new measures to tighten financial discipline, prevent major risks and improve its financial structure in support of steady economic development, according to the central bank governor and financial regulators.

Their articles, included in a recently published book, highlight key tasks for the next five years, such as the government's increased scrutiny of the financial sector to tackle credit defaults, curbing misconduct and encouraging financing through the equity market, experts said.

READ MORE HERE

Inaugural Singapore - Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble Flights To Be Further Deferred

Singapore and Hong Kong have further reviewed the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, and given that local unlinked cases are still high, both parties have decided to defer the commencement of the Singapore – Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble (ATB) to beyond December 2020. 

The exact start date of the ATB arrangement will be reviewed in late December.

READ THE NEWS HERE

HKSAR - Epidemic measures to be tightened / Romania added to high-risk list

The Government announced that social distancing measures will be tightened starting from December 2 due to the development of COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

The Government also announced it will gazette new specifications to impose conditions on travellers who visited Romania within 14 days before arriving in Hong Kong to combat the epidemic more effectively.

READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON EPIDEMIC MEASURES HERE

READ THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON ROMANIA ON HIGH-RISK LIST HERE

READ THE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES HERE

Taiwan - Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program will be implemented on December 1 and travelers must provide a COVID-19 RT-PCR test result

On November 25, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that the Fall-Winter COVID-19 Prevention Program would be implemented starting from December 1, and under this program, travelers shall present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result issued within three days prior to boarding the flight to Taiwan.

READ MORE HERE

India - Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an Order today with Guidelines for Surveillance, Containment and Caution, which will be effective from December 1, 2020 and to remain in force up to 31.12.2020.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

HKSAR - Schools to suspend classes

The Government announced all kindergartens as well as primary and secondary schools will suspend face-to-face classes and school activities starting from December 2 until the beginning of the school Christmas holidays. 
 
Tutorial schools will suspend face-to-face classes for two weeks.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Travellers from Finland and Turkey entering Singapore from 28 November 2020, 2359 hours to serve 14-Day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation, and will be tightening border measures given the increase in cases in Finland and Turkey. 

In addition, to ensure the continued safe resumption of social and economic activities, the Taskforce will extend its community surveillance testing operations to more identified groups in the community. 

As there has been a recent increase in cases reported by Finland and Turkey, all travellers entering Singapore from 28 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Finland and Turkey will be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt-out earlier.

READ MORE HERE

蔡依林 Jolin Tsai X 頑童MJ116「辣台妹 / Play 我呸 / 幹大事」Official Live Video

Jolin真的已坐稳超极天后的宝座，有看过她演唱会的都会同意的Jolin个唱是值得看的。

Scotland - Vital support to offset Brexit damage

Contingency plans have been put in place by the Scottish Government to cope with the damaging impacts of Brexit.

Measures to mitigate the worst effects of leaving the European Union (EU) on December 31 will target support at health services, businesses and at risk communities.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December

The current national restriction rules are still in place until 2 December and must be followed until they expire.

When meeting people you do not live with, it is important to do so outdoors where possible, or to make sure that any indoor venue has good ventilation (for example by opening windows so that fresh air can enter).

READ MORE HERE

Scotland - Cautious approach to Christmas

The Scottish Government has agreed a cautious and limited relaxation of the rules on household meetings to support people over the Christmas period.

A maximum of three households are to be able to meet in a “bubble” during a short window of time across the festive period.

READ MORE HERE

European Union - EU consumers will soon be able to defend their rights collectively

Parliament today endorsed a new law that will allow groups of consumers to join forces and launch collective action in the EU.

The new rules introduce a harmonised model for representative action in all member states that guarantees consumers are well protected against mass harm, while ensuring appropriate safeguards to avoid abusive lawsuits.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Social distancing measures tightened / New rules for leisure venues

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan announced the further tightening of social distancing measures starting November 26, including the closure of bars or pubs.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced that anti-epidemic measures will be imposed on dance activities at its venues in view of the latest COVID-19 situation.

READ MORE HERE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES

READ MORE HERE FOR LEISURE VENUES RULES

UK - UK-wide Christmas arrangements agreed by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations

The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations have agreed on joint arrangements for an easing of social restrictions that will allow friends and loved ones to reunite over the Christmas period.

All four parts of the UK have signed off an aligned approach allowing up to three households to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ from December 23 to 27.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

READ MORE ON CHRISTMAS BUBBLE HERE

Taylor Swift - exile (folklore: the long pond studio sessions | Disney+)...

We need comforting voices like this during such trying times. <Exile> premiered today!

Australia - Travellers to Australia are asked to complete the Australia Travel Declaration before they travel

Completing the Australia Travel Declaration means relevant health departments can contact you if someone you travelled with tests positive for COVID-19 and can determine any quarantine arrangements.   

You are encouraged to complete the Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before  you board your flight to Australia.

READ MORE HERE

Miley Cyrus - Prisoner (Official Video) ft. Dua Lipa

When a shocker princess pairs up with disco princess, you get <Prisoner>!

LYRICS Prisoner, prisoner Locked up, can’t get you off my mind Off my mind Lord knows I tried a million times Million times Oh whoa Why can’t you, why can’t you Just let me go Strung out on a feeling My hands are tied Your face on my ceiling I fantasize Oh I can’t control it, I can’t control it I try to replace it With city lights I’ll never escape it I need the high Oh I can’t control it, I can’t control it You keep making it harder to stay But I still can’t run away I gotta know why can’t you Why can’t you Just let me go Prisoner, prisoner Locked up, can’t get you off my mind Off my mind Lord knows I tried a million times Million times Oh whoa Why can’t you, why can’t you Just let me go Prisoner, prisoner Locked up, can’t get you off my mind Off my mind Lord knows I tried a million times Million times Oh whoa Why can’t you, why can’t you Just let me go I tasted heaven now I can’t live without it I can’t forget you and your love is the loudest Oh I can’t control it, I can’t control it You keep making it harder to stay Oh whoa But I still can’t run away I gotta know why can’t you Why can’t you Just let me go Prisoner, prisoner Locked up, can’t get you off my mind Off my mind Lord knows I tried a million times Million times Oh whoa Why can’t you, why can’t you Just let me go Prisoner, prisoner Locked up, can’t get you off my mind Off my mind Lord knows I tried a million times Million times Oh whoa Why can’t you, why can’t you Just let me go Prisoner Can’t get you off my mind Why can’t you just let me go Million times I wanna know why can’t you Why can’t you I wanna know why can’t you Why can’t you I gotta know why can’t you Why can’t you Just let me go

South Korea - Implementation of Remedy Measure For Those With H-2 Status In Response To Covid-19 Pandemic

Foreign national Koreans have faced growing difficulties in their departure from the ROK due to unexpected suspension of international flight operations amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, a temporary measure granting Permission for Stay will take effect as specified to help ease difficulties for Work and Visit (H-2) status holders and their family members (F-1 status) concerning their departure from the nation due to expiration of stay, as well as to reduce the overall burden on public health authorities. 

READ MORE HERE

Taiwan - Triple stimulus vouchers available to APRC holders starting Nov. 16

The triple stimulus voucher program was originally launched on July 15 to allow not only Taiwanese citizens but also their foreign or Chinese spouses with resident permits to purchase them, which effectively spurred consumption in Taiwan.

In expanding the program, around 11,600 Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) holders and 1,400 foreign diplomats in Taiwan will be able to collect triple stimulus vouchers starting Nov. 16, whereby eligible persons pay NT$1,000 and receive NT$3,000 worth of vouchers, which can be used for the upcoming year-end shopping season. 

The deadline to use the vouchers is Dec. 31, 2020.

READ MORE HERE

Philippines - Changes In Travel Restrictions Take Effect 20 November 2020

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that they will be implementing changes in travel restrictions effective immediately. 

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente announced that following the latest resolution of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), they have implemented the expanded coverage of foreign nationals allowed to enter the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Europe-wide awareness campaign to help prepare European citizens for the implementation of the UK’s new Immigration System from 1 January 2021

The UK Government has launched a Europe-wide awareness campaign to help prepare European citizens for the implementation of the UK’s new Immigration System from 1 January 2021, and the launch of new routes on 1 December 2020. 

Free movement between the EU and the UK will end at 11pm on 31 December EEA and Swiss citizens will no longer have the automatic right to live in the UK.  

READ MORE HERE

Carrie Underwood & John Legend - Hallelujah (Official Music Video)

Our favourite country Queen + soul legend brings Christmas here early. <Hallelujah> debuts today!!

Singapore - Updated Border Measures For Travellers from Malaysia and Japan

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and will be tightening border measures given the resurgence of cases in Malaysia and Japan. 

All travellers entering Singapore from 22 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia will now be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

All travellers [except Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs)] entering Singapore from 27 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure.

All travellers entering Singapore from 22 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Japan will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt out earlier. 

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - Emergency benefit to help temporary visa holders

From 1 December, people on temporary work, student or visitor visas who can’t return home and or support themselves may get an Emergency Benefit from the Ministry of Social Development, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced 20 November. 

Previously, temporary visa holders in hardship because of COVID-19 have had support from a temporary programme delivered by Te Tari Taiwhenua, Department of Internal Affairs and the New Zealand Red Cross.

READ MORE HERE

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Life Goes On' Official MV

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Life Goes On' Official MV debuts today!

~ Maybe the most important lesson we can learn from this pandemic is to take a slower pace and be more appreciative towards life. ~

Thailand - Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approves 45-day extension of emergency decree

The government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the extension of the emergency decree for 45 days, covering the New Year’s holiday and an international badminton tournament. 

The center also approved in principle reduction of the 14-day quarantine period to 10 days.

READ THE NEWS HERE

Australia - Changes To Restrictions in South Australia

A new Direction has been issued in relation to the Stay at Home requirements for South Australia as a Circuit Breaker to the current COVID-19 outbreak.

The Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Stay at Home) Direction 2020 has been issued. This Direction comes into effect as of 12:01 am Thursday 19 November 2020 and is applied alongside all other Directions that are currently in place under the Emergency Management Act 2004 (SA) but prevails where any inconsistencies may arise.

READ MORE HERE

Ariana Grande - 34+35 (official video)

The most tongue in cheek (yet!) from Ari, you go do the maths :p <34+35> premiered today and already more than a million views racked up!

~ Can you stay up all night? F**k me till the daylight. ~