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16-07-2021, 10:00 AM
SINGAPORE - A labyrinth of rooms lie behind tinted doors, obscuring the view of the world within from the public. But the lingering smell of cigarette smoke, coupled with bursts of loud music escaping each time the doors open, gives it away.
These KTV lounges, which have pivoted to operate as food and beverage establishments, remain popular with men aged between 20 and 50.
Despite the growing cluster uncovered this week, many of them have continued to flock to KTV lounges located in strata malls and mixed-used developments.
Checks by The Straits Times found that some patrons had planned a "last hurrah" on Wednesday evening (July 14), after finding out that their favourite haunts were to be closed for deep cleaning.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced later that night that four KTV lounges were to be closed, as there was suspected ongoing transmission on the premises.
Many of these lounges are known to have been operating without safe distancing, those familiar with the KTV lounge scene told ST.
A KTV lounge about the size of a basketball court has been known to house as many as 100 patrons inside, they said. One of that size would have 10 to 20 rooms within the premises.
While the usual check-in set-ups are placed at the entrance, patrons allegedly avoid using them, fearing they would be tracked.
Instead, patrons are greeted by hostesses sans mask upon entry, and, in turn, take off their own.
They are then ushered into one of the rooms, where they choose and are serviced by hostesses. Groping and fondling are purportedly more common than not.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/u...o-88-cases
These KTV lounges, which have pivoted to operate as food and beverage establishments, remain popular with men aged between 20 and 50.
Despite the growing cluster uncovered this week, many of them have continued to flock to KTV lounges located in strata malls and mixed-used developments.
Checks by The Straits Times found that some patrons had planned a "last hurrah" on Wednesday evening (July 14), after finding out that their favourite haunts were to be closed for deep cleaning.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced later that night that four KTV lounges were to be closed, as there was suspected ongoing transmission on the premises.
Many of these lounges are known to have been operating without safe distancing, those familiar with the KTV lounge scene told ST.
A KTV lounge about the size of a basketball court has been known to house as many as 100 patrons inside, they said. One of that size would have 10 to 20 rooms within the premises.
While the usual check-in set-ups are placed at the entrance, patrons allegedly avoid using them, fearing they would be tracked.
Instead, patrons are greeted by hostesses sans mask upon entry, and, in turn, take off their own.
They are then ushered into one of the rooms, where they choose and are serviced by hostesses. Groping and fondling are purportedly more common than not.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/u...o-88-cases
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