Singapore's pilot program for nightclubs and karaoke outlets has been deferred indefinitely given a rise in COVID-19 community cases in the country.

The nightlife pilot program, which was formulated to help in the gradual reopening of nightclubs and karaoke outlets, was due to begin in January 2021.

Out of the 8 nominations for nightclubs and 15 for karaoke outlets, the joint task force had originally chosen 2 nightclubs and 10 karaoke outlets for the pilot program.

In a press release on 19 January, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) mentioned that the deferment of the pilot is to curb the further increase of community transmission and the possible formation of clusters in nightclubs and karaoke outlets which "entail people coming into close contact for prolonged periods of time and in enclosed spaces".

The commencement of the pilot program is uncertain at the present moment "given the dynamic public health situation", and will be reviewed in the future, said the joint task force.

The pandemic saw nightclubs repurpose their space in order to carry out other business activities. Examples include Zouk Singapore's partnership with Absolute Cycle to turn their dancefloor into a venue for spinning classes, and Cherry Discotheque who launched 'CHERRY SUPPER CLUB' which served food and non-alcoholic drinks every Friday and Saturday from 10.30 PM onwards.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Zouk Singapore (@zouksingapore)

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by CHERRY DISCOTHEQUE (@cherrydiscotheque)

The ongoing pilot program for bars and clubs will be able to continue for now, but will be closely monitored by agencies to "monitor the situation closely". Safe Management Measures may also be tightened "where necessary to safeguard public health".