Under the new stricter circuit breaker measures announced today (Apr 21), some businesses previously allowed to operate during the circuit breaker period have now been removed from the list of essential services, and will be required to close. These include bubble tea shops, salons and pet stores. Closures come into effect from tomorrow (Apr 22) and will last until May 4 at least.

The announcement sparked panic-buying of bubble tea, and now, long queues at salons and barber shops. You read right: people were flocking to salons to get their manes trimmed before barber shops and salons closed their doors at 11.59pm on Apr 21. Salons and barber shops had previously been allowed to stay open, albeit for basic haircuts. This was before the today's announcements of tighter measures, as well as the extension of the circuit breaker period until June 1.

A video of snaking lines outside two salons in Geylang has been circulating on WhatsApp and social media. Hairstylists at two establishments were kept busy, with queues stretching to the entire length of the street. Both salons are usually open until 3am, although circuit breaker measures would’ve kicked in by 11.59pm on Apr 21, which means they’d be required to shut before their regular closing times.

Long queues for haircuts in Geylang

Over at Rivervale Mall in Punggol, there was a long line of customers that snaked all the way from the barber shop to the escalators in the mall, as seen in this video that’s been making its rounds on WhatsApp and social media.

Photos: Screenshots