If you’ve been craving lasers and bass, you’re not alone. Over 4 months since COVID-19 started appearing on our news headlines and the pandemic shut down some of the most densely populated cities in the world, China has started opening up clubs again.
China is slowly opening up as provinces begin to relax their laws which restricted movements to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A large part of the Hubei province including Wuhan, where the virus was first detected, was under lockdown for 76 days. According to worldmeters the new infection rate for the 24th of April was just 10 new cases in China, while the USA currently sats at 31,900, and the worst-hit European city Spain sat at 4,635.
What does this mean for live shows?
While they may not be lasers leading us to the main stage, there’s officially light at the end of our lockdown tunnels. Location and capacity still play a defining factor in China and not all venues have the green light to open their doors. Currently, live venues are still unable to commence trading, which means live shows are still on hold for now. China has also suspended incoming international visitors including valid residence permits and visas. This is good news for the domestic musical talent, however, the fate for international acts remain up in the air.
What does this mean for the club scene?
While businesses have started opening their doors, the public is still wary. Clubs such as OIL Club in Shenzhen, TAG in Chengdu and Loopy in Hangzhou began trading on the 27th of March. Not surprisingly the number of attendees is currently lower than pre-COVID days as fears of infection still weigh heavy. These businesses are still struggling with lower attendance, and party-goers are leaving earlier than before. OIL Club has reported that despite efforts during the lockdown to keep money coming through the doors, such as a new radio feed and drink vouchers, the business is still recuperating. OIL Club is still struggling to match the rates for staff prior to the pandemic.
As expected precautions have been ramped up for places who have opened their doors. The cleaning and disinfecting of dance floors have ramped up. Mandatory temperature checks are also in place, and a review of the attendee’s health code status. ICYMI, the health code contains a rating dependent on health status and the owner’s recent travel history. It can also be used by businesses to determine whether you’re allowed entry amongst other things.
We’re not quite there yet, but there’s a glimmer of hope. Until then we’ll (virtually) see you at Jadetopia.