Coverings the global tile stone experience

SINGAPORE - Singapore has joined over 40 other countries in tightening restrictions on travellers arriving from the United Kingdom, following the emergence of a new coronavirus strain there that appears to be more contagious. From 11.59pm on Wednesday (Dec 23), all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with travel history to the UK within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Tuesday. This ban will also apply to all those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore. Travellers from the UK are currently required to serve a 14-day stay-home notice at a dedicated facility. As for returning Singaporeans and permanent residents, they will have to be tested on arrival, and again towards the end of their 14-day stay-home notices. Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force combating Covid-19, told reporters on Tuesday that Singapore has been monitoring ... » Learn More about Singapore tightens restrictions on travellers from UK after emergence of new Covid-19 strain

Environmental groups incensed at Japan’s decision to release more than a million tons of contaminated water from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean are accusing the government of downplaying the true scale of the danger the water poses to human health. After a cabinet meeting in Tokyo on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that, “Disposing of the treated waters is an unavoidable issue for decommissioning the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant.” He said the water would be released into the Pacific “while ensuring that safety standards are cleared by a wide margin and firm steps are taken to prevent reputational damage” to the local fisheries industry. Fishermen are deeply unhappy with the decision, which they have long opposed on the grounds that it will decimate an industry already struggling to overcome perceptions that their catches have not been not safe for human consumption since the 2011 tsunami and earthquake that prompted a meltdown at ... » Learn More about Is Japan downplaying the danger Fukushima water poses to human health?

SINGAPORE - From the second half of January 2021, short-term business travellers from all countries arriving in Singapore will no longer need to be quarantined, under new segregated travel lane arrangements. The Ministry of Trade and Industry said on Tuesday (Dec 15) that those who opt to use the lane will be transported from the airport to dedicated facilities where they will stay and work. There, they can have meetings through floor-to-ceiling air-tight glass panels with local businessmen, as well as with other foreign businessmen with safe distancing measures in place. Regular testing will be conducted throughout the duration of their stay - for instance on alternate days - in addition to tests before departure from their home countries and upon arrival here. They will also have to move within their pre-declared travel group of up to five people to reduce the risk of mass transmission. The segregated travel lane is distinct from existing reciprocal green lane arrangements, ... » Learn More about Singapore to launch segregated lane for business travellers who will not need to be quarantined

Apartment complexes in Seoul are seen from the fortress Namhansanseong. (Yonhap) SEOUL — The pandemic has suspended our everyday life, giving us a chance to think about how we are living. The impact of COVID-19 has permeated in our residential environment more over in the urban environment. South Korea has seen rapid development since the 1960s, but this has led to a monotonous residential environment — rows and rows of apartments. In Korea, about 6 people out of 10 live in apartments. According to the latest report by Statistics Korea in 2019, the country had 11.3 million apartments, accounting for 62.3 percent of all housing. The country is sometimes nicknamed “The republic of apartments.” For decades, Koreans have become familiar with living in apartment complexes due to their convenience as a type of general housing that has been around since industrialization. But some are questioning whether apartments are the best option, particularly younger generations whose interests ... » Learn More about How Korea became ‘Republic of Apartments’

SINGAPORE - Mass travel in the near future appears to be increasingly uncertain, with countries relaxing and reimposing travel restrictions based on their progress in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Singapore, for one, suspended three green lane arrangements with South Korea, Germany and Malaysia late last month in view of a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in those countries. Green lanes allow essential travel for business or official purposes. Experts told The Straits Times that this comes as no surprise, since the Singapore Government has always adopted a risk-based approach, assessing each country's current risk level. For instance, tighter regulations were imposed late last year for travellers arriving from Britain due to concerns about the new Covid-19 variant. Associate professor of economics Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences explained: "The pace of border reopenings has always been dependent on the current risk assessment, an approach that ... » Learn More about Experts foresee uncertain future for mass travel

We Singaporeans just love to hate on two things about our island . One, that Singapore is expensive; and two, that there’s nothing to do here. Well, we’ve put together a list of free things to do in Singapore that’ll put both complaints to rest for good. Whether you love trees or thrills, history or hiking , this 52-strong guide has them all – one activity for every week of the year, in fact. Bookmark this page, lace up your shoes , and get exploring. 1. Go geocaching Think of geocaching as the world’s largest and longest treasure hunt, going on unseen right under your nose. Singapore is dotted with over 700 geocaches – tiny spots where a trinket or souvenir is hidden, along with a logbook detailing the names of all who’ve found the cache before. To join this treasure quest, all you need is a GPS-enabled device, the official Geocaching® app as your guide, and a sturdy pair of legs – many of these caches are very much off the beaten track. Kick off your geocaching adventure ... » Learn More about 52 free things to do in Singapore: Your boredom-beating guide for every week of the year