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SINGAPORE: A pilot program to reopen some nightclubs and karaoke venues with COVID-19 security measures in place has been postponed until further notice, amid an increase in the number of community cases.
This was announced on Tuesday (January 19) by the Ministry of the Interior (MHA) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MTI).
“To avoid the risk of further community transmission and the formation of groups in high-risk settings, such as nightclubs and karaoke venues, which involve people coming into close contact for prolonged periods and in closed spaces, the pilots have postponed until further notice, “the ministries said in a joint press release.
“It is uncertain when the pilot can start, given the dynamic public health situation. The agencies will review the start of the pilots at an appropriate time.”
READ: Some nightlife businesses allowed to reopen with COVID-19 security measures under the pilot program
The pilot for nightclubs and karaoke venues was due to start this month.
The authorities had chosen two nightclubs and 10 karaoke venues to participate in the pilot, out of a total of eight nominations for nightclubs and 15 for karaoke venues.
“We are working with the operators who were shortlisted for the pilot on the next steps for their businesses and we are assisting them individually,” said MHA and MTI.
READ: 3 bars and pubs authorized to reopen under the COVID-19 pilot program for the nightlife industry
READ: ‘Whatever it takes’: Nightlife venues interested in reopening grapple with strict COVID-19 rules
A separate pilot for bars and pubs, which began Dec. 8, will continue for now, the ministries said.
These are three establishments that were allowed to reopen: Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza, Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza, and Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay.
“The agencies will also continue to closely monitor the situation and work with operators to reinforce SMMs (safe management measures) where necessary to safeguard public health,” the ministries said.
In November of last year, MHA and MTI said a “limited number” of nightlife establishments would be allowed to reopen with safe management measures in place under a pilot program.
“The pilots aim to establish the viability and robustness of the strict safe management measures and the nightlife industry’s ability to comply with them, before the Government considers allowing further steps in the resumption of nightlife businesses.” the ministries said.
READ: With no prospect of reopening, KTV room owners say the industry has been ‘abandoned’
READ: Lights off, music stops: pubs still closed, karaoke venues call for help amid COVID-19 pandemic
Entertainment venues, including nightclubs, discos and karaoke, were ordered closed in March 2020 in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 within the community.
Almost 10 months later, many of these places remain closed, although some have been able to reopen as food and beverage outlets.
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