Nghe An: Karaoke services reopen after new regulations

According to the reporter's records on the morning of April 8, many restaurantskaraokein Vinh city have simultaneously opened their doors, busily cleaning up to prepare to welcome guests after a long year of closure due to the epidemic.

Karaoke bar on Nguyen Van Cu street, Vinh city focuses on cleaning up to welcome guests. Photo: QA

Mr. Kien, representative of Omega karaoke bar on Nguyen Van Cu street, said: "On the night of April 7, after learning about the decision of the Provincial People's Committee to allow many services to resume, including karaoke, we were very excited. That same night, I contacted the staff to focus on cleaning and repairing the rooms and equipment to be ready to reopen to serve the people."

Not only Mr. Kien but also many karaoke bar owners in Vinh City are feeling this way at this time. During more than a year of complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic, karaoke has always been in the top of services with a high risk of infection, having to close continuously, causing many establishments to suffer, workers to quit their jobs, and some establishments have even switched to other industries. Therefore, reopening is not only suitable for the current conditions of adaptation and safety with the epidemic, but it is also an opportunity for establishments to continue to stick with their jobs.

After a long period of closure, many machines at karaoke bars were damaged and had to be replaced. Photo: QA

According to records, most karaoke bars focused on preparation work on the morning of April 8, including cleaning rooms, disinfecting tables, chairs, machines, refurbishing and upgrading decorative lighting systems, contacting staff to notify of resumption schedules, importing food and drinks... ready to welcome the first batch of guests tonight.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, owner of Vertu karaoke bar on the streetNguyen Thi Minh Khaisaid: Being closed for too long has caused many machines in the shop to be damaged, forcing them to be liquidated. According to preliminary statistics, there were up to 14 damaged screens at the shop, many sound systems were moldy... Although her family still turns on the machines every month to ensure operation, however, because they are mainly electronic goods, it is inevitable that the machines will malfunction if they are closed for too long.

"I'm very happy to be allowed to reopen, but I'm also worried because now we have to borrow money to reinvest so that we can have customers. Besides, we don't know how many customers we'll have after a long time, so I'm both happy and worried," Ms. Ha shared.

All karaoke equipment must be cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Photo: QA

Not only karaoke bars, but according to the reporter's records, a series of other services such as beauty salons, massage parlors, internet... also resumed operations on the morning of April 8 to meet the beauty and entertainment needs of people after a long time. Most establishments are fully equipped with masks, hand sanitizers and implement epidemic prevention measures as directed.

Previously, Nghe An Provincial People's Committee issued a document on the matter.Adjusting measures to prevent and control Covid-19 epidemicAccordingly, the Provincial People's Committee allows service businesses such as beauty salons, massage parlors, dance clubs, karaoke bars, internet bars, and electronic games in communes, wards, and towns that have declared Covid-19 epidemics from level 1 to level 3 to operate starting from 00:00 on April 8, 2022; when Covid-19 epidemic is declared level 4, the above service businesses must stop operating.

Beauty salons, massage parlors, and video game centers have also reopened since today. Photo: PV

Owners of service establishments must be responsible for implementing measures to ensure Covid-19 prevention and control according to regulations of health agencies at the business establishment. 100% of employees working at the establishment (including: establishment owners, managers and service staff) must be fully vaccinated according to regulations of the Ministry of Health or have recovered from Covid-19 and have a valid negative SARS-CoV-2 test. Customers are required to not use services or participate in activities at the above locations if they have symptoms of suspected illness such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste... and should go to medical facilities for advice and guidance...

The Provincial People's Committee also regulates the service capacity of service establishments in accordance with each epidemic level. Level 1 epidemic areas: Normal operation; Level 2 epidemic areas: Operation at no more than 50% of the facility's service capacity; Level 3 epidemic areas: Operation at no more than 30% of the facility's service capacity.