SINGAPORE: A pilot programme for some nightclubs and karaoke outlets to reopen with COVID-19 safety measures in place has been deferred until further notice, amid an increase in the number of community cases.
This was announced on Tuesday (Jan 19) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).
AdvertisementAdvertisement"To prevent the risk of further community transmission and formation of clusters in high-risk settings such as nightclubs and karaoke outlets, which entail people coming into close contact for prolonged periods of time and in enclosed spaces, the pilots have been deferred until further notice," the ministries said in a joint media release.
"It is uncertain when the pilot may be able to commence, given the dynamic public health situation. Agencies will review the commencement of the pilots at a suitable juncture."
[h=3]READ: Some nightlife businesses allowed to reopen with COVID-19 safety measures under pilot programme[/h]The pilot for nightclubs and karaoke outlets was to have started this month.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAuthorities had chosen two nightclubs and 10 karaoke outlets to participate in the pilot, out of a total of eight nominations for nightclubs and 15 for karaoke outlets.
"We are working with the operators who were shortlisted for the pilot on the next steps for their businesses, and assisting them individually," said MHA and MTI.
[h=3]READ: 3 bars and pubs allowed to reopen under COVID-19 pilot programme for nightlife industry[/h][h=3]READ: ‘Whatever it takes’: Nightlife venues keen on reopening grapple with strict COVID-19 rules[/h] AdvertisementA separate pilot for bars and pubs, which started on Dec 8, will continue for now, said the ministries.
This involves three outlets which were allowed to reopen: Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza, Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza and Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay.
"Agencies will also continue to monitor the situation closely, and will work with the operators to tighten the SMMs (safe management measures) where necessary to safeguard public health," said the ministries.
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