Singapore - Suspension of Reciprocal Green Lane Arrangements with Germany, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea

The Government of Singapore regularly reviews its border measures to manage the risk of importation and onward local transmission of COVID-19 from travellers. 

Given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases worldwide, the Government of Singapore will be suspending the Reciprocal Green Lane arrangements with Germany, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea, for a period of three months beginning from Monday, 1 February 2021, 0001hrs. 

READ MORE HERE

UK - Tougher border controls to protect public health / Travel bans extended as United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda added to red list to prevent spread of new variant

The government has announced further action for outbound and inbound passengers to minimise travel across international borders and reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

While the focus is on protecting the UK’s world-leading vaccination programme, this action will reduce the risk of a new variant of the virus being transmitted from someone coming into the UK.

• entry to the UK is banned for visitors arriving from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda from 29 January 2021 at 1pm – British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK will be allowed to enter

• from 4am on Friday morning all arrivals who have, in the 10 days before their arrival in the UK, been in these destinations, and their households, will have to self-isolate immediately, and will not be eligible to use Test to Release

• move is in response to new evidence showing the likely spread of a coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa

The government has taken the urgent decision to ban travel to the UK from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Burundi and Rwanda to prevent the spread of the new variant originally identified in South Africa into the UK.

READ MORE HERE ON TOUGHER BORDER CONTROLS

READ MORE HERE ON TRAVEL BANS FROM UAE, BURUNDI AND RWANDA

The Chateau Diaries: CHATEAUX HOPPING!

Lovely beautiful town! And yes I would love to own a chateaux :p

UK - The UK government will deliver on its commitment to open a new visa for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders on Sunday

The commitment was made following the Chinese government’s imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong last year, in breach of its commitments under international law.

The visa reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong who have had their rights and freedoms restricted.

READ MORE HERE

HyunA - 'I'm Not Cool' MV

I am not cool. That's the way I like it. 来，一起跳起来！

HKSAR - Switzerland, UAE listed as high risk

The Government announced it will tighten the measures for travellers who have stayed in Switzerland or the United Arab Emirates within 21 days before they board for Hong Kong.

READ MORE HERE

READ HERE FOR SPECIFIED CONDITIONS IMPOSED ON TRAVELERS

Indonesia - Temporarily closes the entry of foreigners to Indonesia between 26 January 2021 - 8 February 2021

Indonesia temporarily closes the entry of foreigners from all countries to Indonesia, either directly or transiting in foreign countries, except:

• Holders of diplomatic and official/service visa for the purpose of ministerial official visit or of higher level, with implementation of stricter health protocols
• ​Holders of diplomatic residence permits and official residence permits; and
  
• Holders of limited stay permit (KITAS) and residence permit cards (KITAP)
• Foreigners with special considerations and permission in writing from the Ministry / Institution in Indonesia
  

For foreigners who hold ITAS / ITAP and / or Re-entry Permits that will expire and are currently abroad during the temporary closing period of entry of foreigners to Indonesian territory, they can extend online through an online residence permit application.

READ MORE HERE

READ HERE FOR HEALTH PROTOCOLS INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS TO INDONESIA

China - Beijing tightens entry restrictions for coming Spring Festival

Those arriving in Beijing around the Spring Festival will be subject to tighter COVID-19 precautions, including requirements of more nucleic acid tests, the municipal government said on Jan 27.

Between Jan 28 and March 15, travelers from domestic low-risk areas must provide negative nucleic acid results within seven days before arrival, and they must receive nucleic acid tests one week and two weeks after settling in Beijing, said Xu Hejian, the city government spokesperson.

READ MORE HERE

PHILIPPINES - Further Updates for Those Intending to Travel to the Philippines: Additional Exemptions to Entry Restrictions under IATF Resolution 95 dated 21 January 2021 for Passengers from Restricted Countries Due to the COVID-19 New Variants

Further to the advisories issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) based on Memoranda from the Executive Secretary on the regulation of entry for travelers from areas that have reported incidence of the new COVID-19 variant, the public is informed of additional measures pertaining to the exemptions to the entry restrictions of the following foreign nationals with valid visas who come from or have entered the concerned countries/jurisdictions in the last 14 days prior to arrival in the Philippines, as directed by the Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution No. 95 dated 21 January 2021.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Basic public services to resume / COVID-19 testing areas expanded

The Government today announced that its departments will resume some basic public services from January 28 in addition to the continued provision of emergency and essential public services.
 
It made the announcement after considering the needs for the functioning of society and the economy, adding that its ultimate goal is to resume full public services when conditions permit.
The Food & Health Bureau today announced that the specified areas for compulsory COVID-19 testing have been expanded from today.
 
The Government has expanded the specified area in Jordan and added the new Yau Ma Tei/Mong Kok and Hung Hom specified areas. The specified area in Sham Shui Po remains.

READ MORE HERE ON RESUMPTION OF BASIC PUBLIC SERVICES

READ MORE HERE FOR EXPANSION OF COVID-19 TESTING AREAS

China - Chinese cities to advance trial of digital currency in 2021

Several Chinese cities will expand trials of digital currency, or the digital yuan, according to their tune-setting government work plans for 2021.

Beijing will accelerate the building of innovative demonstration zones for fintech and professional services this year and promote the pilot application of the digital currency, revealed the city’s government work report delivered on Jan 23.

READ MORE HERE

China - Hainan fine-tuning free trade port (FTP) policies

Hainan will focus on institutional innovation and fine-tune the free trade port policies during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25) while creating the necessary framework for customs clearance on the island by the end of 2024, Feng Fei, acting governor of the province, said on Jan 24.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Entry restrictions to continue

The Government announced that it will maintain the measure to restrict people who have stayed in extremely high-risk specified places from boarding flights for Hong Kong.
 
The 21-day compulsory quarantine requirement will also continue for people arriving at the city who have stayed in places outside China.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Cap of 8 distinct visitors per household per day from 26 January 2021 / Tightening Safe Management Measures

To further mitigate the risk of large community clusters arising from infections that spread within a household and through them to all their contacts, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) will impose a cap of 8 distinct visitors per household per day. 

This will take effect from 26 January 2021. Individuals should also limit themselves to visiting at most two other households a day, as much as possible. 

READ MORE HERE

China - Two-way opening-up of financial market will be bolstered / Banks, insurers encouraged to back fintech

China's foreign exchange regulator highlighted specific measures on Jan 22 to further promote two-way opening-up of the financial market, mainly through steadily freeing up cross-border capital flows and improving the renminbi exchange rate regime.

China's top banking and insurance regulator said on Jan 22 that it will encourage banking and insurance institutions to cooperate with internet-based platforms, including those companies that have been summoned for meetings with financial regulators, in accordance with the laws and regulations.

READ MORE HERE ON OPENING-UP OF FINANCIAL MARKET

READ MORE HERE FOR BACKING FINTECH

Japan / India - Signing of Memorandum of Cooperation between Japan and India on a Basic Framework for Partnership for Proper Operation of the System pertaining to “Specified Skilled Worker”

On January 18 (Monday), in New Delhi, the Memorandum of Cooperation on a Basic Framework for Partnership for Proper Operation of the System pertaining to “Specified Skilled Worker” was signed between H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Satoshi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to India and H.E. Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.

1. The purpose of this Memorandum of Cooperation is to establish a basic framework for partnership on information sharing and consultation in order to ensure smooth and proper sending and accepting specified skilled workers, in particular the elimination of malicious intermediary organizations, and to resolve the problems of sending, accepting and residing in Japan of specified skilled workers.
2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is resolved to enhance its mutually beneficial relations with India through cooperation for proper operation of the system, in collaboration with the relevant ministries and agencies of Japan.

READ MORE HERE

READ THE FRAMEWORK HERE

Thailand - Application For Travelers Entering Thailand / Inter-provincial travel not prohibited

All non-Thai nationals received COE via COE Online system are requested to install and register with ThailandPlus application in mobile phone before arrival in Thailand.

Inter-provincial travel has not been prohibited. However, each province is taking specific COVID-19 control measures, which may include strict screening and quarantine.

READ MORE HERE FOR APPLICATION FOR TRAVELERS ENTERING THAILAND

READ MORE HERE FOR INTER-PROVINCIAL TRAVEL NOT PROHIBITED

India - Temporary suspension of flights to/from United Kingdom further extended till 31st January, 2021

In partial modification of circular dated 26-06-2020, the competent authority has further extended the validity of circular issued on the subject cited above regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 31st January, 2021. 

This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGA.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Advisory to employers with Malaysian employees entering Singapore under Periodic Commuting Arrangement

Singapore-based companies that wish to apply for their Malaysian employees to enter Singapore under the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) may now submit their applications online and can refer to the SafeTravel website for more information on the requirements and application process.

The tripartite partners are issuing this advisory to guide employers and employees on leave and cost arrangements for employees entering Singapore under the PCA. 

Employers should ensure that they take care of the well-being of all their foreign employees in Singapore as per employer’s responsibilities under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

READ MORE HERE

Germany - The Chancellor and the state premiers of Germany’s sixteen federal states have agreed to extend the COVID-19 measures currently in place until 14 February

The Chancellor and the state premiers of Germany’s sixteen federal states have agreed to extend the COVID-19 measures currently in place until 14 February. 

Since a mutation of the virus has been identified, that threatens to negate the efforts made to contain the pandemic, federal and state governments intend to adopt a pro-active approach to address this threat.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Government restricts persons who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland from boarding flights for Hong Kong / Social distancing measures extended

The Government will gazette the specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) to restrict persons who have stayed in Brazil or Ireland from boarding flights for Hong Kong.

The Government announced on January 19 that it will gazette directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to maintain the social distancing measures currently in place. 

The directions and specifications will take effect on January 21, 2021 for a period of seven days till January 27, 2021.

READ MORE HERE ON RESTRICTION OF THOSE WHO HAVE STAYED IN BRAZIL OR IRELAND

READ MORE HERE ON EXTENSION OF SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES

READ THE NEWS HERE

US - 2021 tax filing season begins Feb. 12; Internal Revenue Service (IRS) outlines steps to speed refunds during pandemic

The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns.

The February 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits.

READ MORE HERE

Taiwan - Resident aliens shall file individual income tax return before departure

The National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area (NTBNA), Ministry of Finance indicates that any alien staying in the R.O.C. for 183 days or more during a taxable year is regarded as a resident and required to file individual income tax return if he or she intends to leave the territory of the R.O.C. in the interim of the year and will not return within the same taxable year before his or her departure according to Article 71-1 of the Income Tax Act. 

The amounts of exemptions, standard deduction and basic living expense shall be calculated in proportion to the total number of days he or she has stayed in the R.O.C.

READ MORE HERE

China - Beijing requires 7 extra days of health monitoring for inbound travelers

Beijing has required inbound travelers to undergo health monitoring for seven additional days following 21 days of medical observation, authorities said on Jan 16.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - New round of quarantine hotels set

A total of 36 hotels will provide about 10,000 rooms under the second round of the Designated Quarantine Hotel Scheme, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said 18 January 2021.

READ MORE HERE

REFER TO THE LIST OF 36 HOTELS HERE

李宣榕 Sharon Lee【好好 Love Well】Official Music Video

很喜欢这句歌词：

把心事好好清理 好讓你搬來定居 我的心 把故事好好經營 平凡些也不要緊 你在就可以

好好 Love Well 詞：楊耀程 曲：鍾佳昊、王聖豪、陳海維 還是會遲疑 還捉摸不定 牽著手 心就很堅定 昨天的淚水 讓今天更清晰 你的笑 能帶給我安心 等天晴 把心事好好清理 好讓你搬來定居 我的心 把故事好好經營 平凡些也不要緊 你在就可以 把愛情好好相信 才不枉辜負這命運的相遇 對的人對上了時機 心有靈犀正好愛上你 美好了我的風景 未來的事情 等著我們解題 像秘境 有未知的驚喜 在你的眼底 映出我的憧憬 我看見 是更好的自己 因為你 把心事好好清理 好讓你搬來定居 我的心 把故事好好經營 平凡些也不要緊 你在就可以 把愛情好好相信 才不枉辜負這命運的相遇 對的人對上了時機 心有靈犀正好愛上你 美好了我的風景 把心事好好清理 好讓你搬來定居 我的心 把故事好好經營 平凡些也不要緊 你在就可以 把愛情好好相信 就算是繞點路才來到這裡 對的愛對上了頻率 心之所向帶我們前進 細數相愛的風景

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures and Travel Insurance (from 24 January 2021, 2359 hours, all travellers (including SCs and PRs) will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore)

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce regularly reviews Singapore’s border measures to manage the risk of importation and onward local transmission from travellers. Given the resurgence of COVID-19 cases around the world, the Taskforce will be putting in place more stringent measures for travellers to manage the risk of importation. 

On-arrival Testing for Travellers

2.        The Taskforce currently require travellers who are not Singapore Citizens (SCs) or Permanent Residents (PRs), and who have recent travel history to high-risk countries/ regions, to take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure. 

These travellers are then required to serve their Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore, and they are tested at the end of their SHN.

3.       Given the emergence of new virus variants and the worsening COVID-19 situation around the world, the Taskforce will put in place additional border control measures for all travellers. 

In particular, from 24 January 2021, 2359 hours, all travellers (including SCs and PRs) will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore. The prevailing SHN requirements, including the PCR test at the end of the SHN, will continue. 

READ MORE HERE

Philippines: Further Updates for Those Intending to Travel to the Philippines: Extension of Travel Restrictions to 31 January 2021, and the inclusion of United Arab Emirates and Hungary in the travel restrictions

Further to the advisories issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) based on Memoranda from the Executive Secretary on the regulation of entry for travelers from or transiting through areas that have reported incidence of the new COVID-19 variant, the public is informed of additional measures pertaining to the extension of the travel restrictions to 31 January 2021, and the inclusion of the United Arab Emirates and Hungary among countries subject to travel restrictions effective 0001H, 17 January 2021 Manila time until 31 January 2021, as directed by Malacañang Palace Memorandum issued on 15 January 2021, which may be accessed here: https://bit.ly/39CD2bV.

READ MORE HERE

US - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), have announced the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in 2021. 

The notice listing the eligible countries will be published in the Federal Register on Jan. 13, 2021.

READ MORE HERE

US - US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to Replace Sticker That Extends Validity of Green Cards

Starting in January, USCIS will replace the sticker that is currently issued to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to extend the validity of their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (PRC or “Green Card”), with a revised Form I-797, Notice of Action. LPRs file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, when their Green Cards expire or are about to expire. 

The revised Form I-797 notice will serve as a receipt notice for the Form I-90. 

READ MORE HERE

UK - The Office for Product Safety and Standards is publishing guidance to help businesses comply with changed regulations with European Union

Following agreement of a trade deal with the EU, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is helping ensure business understand what is expected of them, including on issues such as the use of the UKCA marking.

It has produced a range of guidance and advice, all of which is available on GOV.UK.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Return2hk booking to open 24 hours

The Government announced today that the Return2hk Scheme's online booking system will be open all day and night from January 14 to facilitate applications for available quotas by members of the public anytime.

READ MORE HERE

READ MORE ON ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM HERE

UK - Aruba, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, Chile, Qatar, Madeira and the Azores removed from travel corridor list

People returning to the UK from these locations will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

• Aruba, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, and Qatar have been removed from list of travel corridors for England from 4am on 16 January 2021, following data showing a significant increase in confirmed cases
• we will also be removing Chile, Madeira and the Azores from the travel corridor list for the UK from 4am on 15 January 2021, due to their strong travel links with Brazil
• there will be no additions to the list of travel corridors
• travellers are urged to check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before travelling and will be required to fill in a passenger locator form before returning home

Aruba, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, and Qatar have been removed from England’s list of travel corridors, following a significant increase in confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in these countries.

READ MORE HERE

UK - New travel restrictions from 4am Friday 15 January on passengers arriving in the UK from South American destinations, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde

• entry to the UK banned for passengers arriving from destinations across South (and Central) America, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde from Friday 15 January at 4am
• British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights in the UK who arrive after 4am and have travelled from or transited through these destinations in the last 10 days will have to self-isolate immediately along with their household
• move is in response to new evidence highlighting the likely spread of a new coronavirus variant in South America and to countries with strong travel links with Brazil

The government has taken the urgent decision to ban travel to the UK from several South American destinations, Portugal, Panama and Cape Verde in order to prevent the spread of a new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) into the UK.

READ MORE HERE

Japan - New measures for border enforcement (Quarantine enforcement and suspension of“Business Track” and “Residence Track”)

The Government of Japan decided the following (1. and 2.) as new measures for border enforcement.

1. For the time being, quarantine enforcement measures will be applied to all those who enter Japan.
2. Until the state of emergency declaration is lifted, the operation of “Business Track” and “Residence Track” with all the countries/regions will be suspended.

READ MORE HERE

New Zealand - Passengers from any destination excluding Australia, Antarctica and some Pacific Island nations will be required to undergo Day 0/1 testing upon arrival in New Zealand

The Government is putting in place a suite of additional actions to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, including new emerging variants, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on 12 January 2021.

READ MORE HERE

READ MORE ON Pre-departure COVID-19 test for travellers from the UK and the US from 15 January

UK - From 4am on 15 January 2021, pre-departure testing will be required for all inbound passengers to England.

From 4am on 15 January, UK will be introducing pre-departure testing requirements for all inbound passengers to England. Passengers arriving by ship, plane or train will have to take a test up to 3 days before departure and provide evidence of a negative result before they travel.

READ MORE HERE

Malaysia - Expansion of the PERIODIC COMMUTING ARRANGEMENT (PCA)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia wishes to inform that Malaysian Citizens holding Permanent Resident status who are working in Singapore are now eligible to apply for Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) Scheme. 

The PCA application process for this category shall begin on 11 January 2021.

READ MORE HERE

Vietnam - Gov’t issues Decree on foreign workers in Vietnam

The Government has issued Decree No.152/2020/ND-CP regarding foreigners working in Viet Nam and recruitment and management of Vietnamese working for foreign organizations and individuals in Viet Nam.

READ MORE HERE

China - China to expand free trade network

China will step up efforts to expand its free trade area network with trading partners across the world to enlarge its "circle of friends", while eliminating more tariffs on goods and broadening market access for services trade and investment, according to Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

READ MORE HERE

Japan - New measures for border enforcement (Quarantine enforcement during the state of emergency)

January 8, the Government of Japan decided new measures for border enforcement regarding the quarantine enforcement during the state of emergency.

With this measure, it will be requested for all those who enter, re-enter or return to Japan to submit a certificate of pre-entry COVID-19 testing result within 72 hours prior to departure and undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, until the state of emergency is lifted.

READ THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN's RELEASE HERE

READ MORE DETAILS HERE

Thailand - Extension of the duration of the enforcement of the Declaration of an Emergency Situation until 15 January B.E. 2564 (2021)

Pursuant to the Declaration of an Emergency Situation in all areas of the Kingdom of Thailand as from 26 March B.E. 2563 (2020) and the subsequent 8th extension of the duration of the enforcement of the Declaration of an Emergency Situation until 15 January B.E. 2564 (2021).

READ MORE HERE

China - Shijiazhuang tightens travel controls to curb virus spread

The Chinese city of Shijiazhuang has temporarily taken control of train travel and banned its residents from leaving the city in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The public security bureau of Shijiazhuang, capital city of North China's Hebei province, has imposed interim epidemic prevention and control measures at the city's railway station, with all passengers temporarily banned from entering the station and boarding the trains. Travelers may contact the railway ticketing department for refunds.

READ MORE HERE

South Korea - Submission of doctor's letter no longer required for F-4 Overseas Korean Visa

It was previously announced that a doctor's letter issued within 48 hours of visa appointment is required for visa application. It is no longer required with immediate effect.

General Information

• F-4 Overseas Korean visa is a 5 years multiple entry visa with sojourn period of 2 years.

The F-4 Visa holder should apply for a Resident Card(거소증) at the local immigration office in Korea within 90 days of his entry.

• F-4 Overseas Korean visa holder is not allowed to get a job in the field of simple labor service or activities against virtuous public customs.

READ MORE HERE

Scotland in lockdown

Mainland Scotland is to go into lockdown from January 5 with a new legal requirement forbidding anyone from leaving their home except for essential purposes.

Amongst the limited reasonable excuses to leave your home are provisions for caring, outdoor exercise and to go to work, but only if that work cannot be done from home.  

READ MORE HERE

China - Beijing extends COVID-19 observation period for inbound travelers

Beijing has extended the COVID-19 observation period for inbound travelers to 21 days following sporadic locally-transmitted cases.

Recently, there have been cases in Beijing and other cities across the country in which inbound travelers were confirmed as COVID-19 patients after 14 days of isolated observation and this led to a rebound in indigenous cases, said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government, at a press conference on Jan 5.

READ MORE HERE

Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the expansion of entry travel restrictions starting midnight of January 3

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the expansion of entry travel restrictions starting midnight of January 3. 

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente shared that following an order from Malacanang, foreign passengers coming from the United States of America have been included in the list of those restricted entry in the country.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

UK - Prime Minister announces national lockdown £4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

• Chancellor announces one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses through to the Spring
• £594 million discretionary fund also made available to support other impacted businesses
• comes in addition to £1.1 billion further discretionary grant funding for Local Authorities, Local Restriction Support Grants worth up to £3,000 a month and extension of furlough scheme

This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement last night that these business will be closed until at least February half-term in order to help control the virus, and, together with the wide range of existing support, provides them with certainty through the Spring period.

READ MORE HERE FOR NATIONAL LOCKDOWN

READ MORE HERE FOR LOCKDOWN GRANTS

Singapore - Updates on Border Measures For Travellers From South Africa / Measures Taken To Safeguard Health and Safety Of Shore-Based Personnel In Maritime Sector

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

Travellers with recent travel history to South Africa within 14 days prior to departure to Singapore are currently required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

Travellers who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents are also required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure and present a valid negative COVID-19 test result as a condition of approval to enter Singapore.

In light of the two recent cases, MPA will tighten the testing regime for all shore-based personnel going onboard ships. 

First, all shore-based personnel going onboard ships will need to take a COVID-19 PCR test within the next seven days, between 2 and 8 January 2021, to give assurance that they are clear of COVID-19. 

This will cover more than 20,000 personnel. Second, they will thereafter be subject to a tighter RRT regime; they will be tested every seven days instead of 14 days previously. 

Those who do not adhere to the RRT regime will not be allowed to board ships to work.

READ MORE HERE FOR UPDATES ON BORDER MEASURES FOR TRAVELLERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

READ MORE HERE FOR MEASURES TAKEN TO SAFEGUARD HEALTH AND SAFETY OF SHORED-BASED PERSONNEL IN MARITIME SECTOR

Taiwan - Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announces adjustments to regulations for foreign nationals entering Taiwan beginning January 1, 2021

Given the continued severity of COVID-19 worldwide and in order to secure domestic antipandemic efforts and ensure public health, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announces that beginning January 1, 2021, at 00:00 (local time at the airport of departure), entry restrictions and quarantine regulations for foreign nationals will be tightened. 

READ MORE HERE