Will the Asia air-travel bubble burst?

Here's the latest news from the global pandemic.  Powell warns of U.S. economy risk with pandemic raging U.K. plans to fly in vaccine if it doesn't reach a Brexit deal with EU India aims for 100 million Astra vaccine shots by next month Will the Asia air-travel bubble burst? Excitement is running high in two of Asia's premier financial hubs this week following the release of details about an air-travel bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore. The arrangement, which will replace quarantine with Covid-19 testing, is open to almost everyone, for any type of travel, be it business, leisure or visiting family and friends. It's the first of its kind in the pandemic, and a potential global template for restarting international travel.  The ability to board a plane for a vacation is enticing, even if the two participating cities aren't particularly far apart and are similar in their food-and-shopping offerings. Ticket prices for the planned daily bubble flights are surging and a joint tourism campaign has been launched, complete with custom-designed masks, special in-flight menus and discounts to local attractions. A Cathay Pacific airplane leaves Hong Kong. Cathay is one of the airlines operating bubble flights. Photographer: Roy Liu/Bloomberg The bubble is already encouraging other travel initiatives in the region, though the rampant coronavirus outbreaks in places like the Philippines and Indonesia will likely keep some of Asia's best beaches out of reach for a long time. And the paperwork and multiple virus tests required for the journey will also deter some travelers. Then there's the prospect that the bubble might pop. The travel arrangement will be suspended for two weeks if the seven-day moving average of daily cases of unknown origins in either city rises above five. On Thursday, Hong Kong said six of seven local cases were untraceable. Given the volatility of Covid-19 outbreaks, the bubble could be ephemeral. It'll be up to the populations of Hong Kong and Singapore—which have both shown enormous resilience and discipline through a year of mask-wearing, social distancing and near-lockdowns—to keep cases low, and to make it last.—Katrina Nicholas Latest podcast The Next Year of the Virus Eight months into the pandemic, the coronavirus is on a rampage. In Europe, surging infections spur new lockdowns. The U.S. is entering its most dangerous period yet. With Michelle Fay Cortez and Robert Langreth, we look back at how we got here, and ahead to what's next for the outbreak. Get the episode here. Photographer: Patricia Suzara Photographer: Patricia Suzara   What you should read A Third of World's Air Routes Lost Due to Covid Even with an effective vaccine, some non-stop flights may be gone for good. Saving Christmas From Covid Is Critical for Britain Retail critical as 20% of consumer spending done in November, December. Drones Ensure Covid-Safe Sydney Beach Crowds Surf patrol guards use them to check if sunbathers evenly spaced on sand.  Fauci Sees End to Pandemic, Thanks to Vaccines Virus could still circulate for years; people must adhere to health measures. Trump Silent on Virus Surge as Cases Increase Leadership vacuum leaves authorities grappling with record hospitalizations. Know someone else who would like this newsletter? Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news? Get in touch or help us cover the story. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us Get the newsletter You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg's Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022