Barbers and hairdressing shops in Singapore have been ordered to shut by 11.59pm on Tuesday, April 21, alongside all standalone food and beverage (F&B) outlets selling mainly drinks and snacks.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a statement that day that such businesses will have to shut until May 4, for now, as Singapore’s circuit breaker has now been extended by a month until June 1.

This resulted in a mad scramble by at least hundreds of men who headed to Geylang late at night to get their hair cut, which is very likely the last time they get to tame their manes for a while -- depending on whether the cessation of non-essential services will continue beyond May 4.

Videos shot at Geylang showed dozens of men queuing outside salons (videos here and here):

Many braved the slight drizzle that started to fall at around 11pm.

Geylang is known for offering late-night services, ranging from food to entertainment, as well as grooming services for all and sundry.

The further tightening on businesses deemed essential will see many activities stop dead in their tracks starting now.

Long queues also formed at bubble tea shops island-wide earlier, as many of these F&B shops have been ordered to shut, having been deemed non-essential.

Separately, temperature screening will be done at all supermarkets and malls from April 22.

Visitors will also have to provide their particulars for contact tracing, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said in a statement on April 21 night.