Karaoke parlors nationwide have remained closed since March 15.
Tuoi Tre reports that Nnice, which has seven locations in three Saigon districts, sent a plea to the city People's Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports asking for permission to reopen.
While most businesses were able to welcome customers on May 9, karaoke parlors and nightclubs remain closed, part of the ongoing battle against the coronavirus outbreak. Authorities point to recent clusters in other countries, such as South Korea, that have links to night entertainment venues as the main reason to keep them shuttered.
Nnice's management said in the plea that the company is "exhausted" and "suffering" amid its third month of being closed, while hundreds of employees have been laid off with no revenue coming in.
The company asked the city government to seek permission from the central government in Hanoi to reopen karaoke parlors, while also promising to ensure health and safety once customers are allowed again.
Last week, Minister and Chairman of the Office of the Government Mai Tien Dung acknowledged Vietnam's effort to contain the epidemic. He also expressed support when asked about whether karaoke places can operate again. However, there wasn't a confirmation on their reopening status.
This morning, Vietnam's coronavirus case total increased to 331, after two citizens returning from Japan tested positive for the virus. They were quarantined upon arrival, and the country is on day 53 without any detected community transmission.
[Photo via Nnice]
