Closed for the past eight months because of coronavirus restrictions, the nightclub is to be transformed into a Covid-19 testing centre.
“Since it is practically impossible to get a rapid test in Berlin at the moment, we will be offering this possibility at the club from Friday,” the management announced on its Facebook page on Monday.
Located in the heart of Berlin, KitKat is famous for its sexually uninhibited club nights, with punters often dressed in latex, leather or indeed nothing at all.
The tests will be carried out by a doctor and “trained personnel”, the club said, and results ready within 25 minutes.
“Be wild and come naked! (Please don't. Would be funny, but would probably lead to reports of suspected parties),” said the club, a pillar of Berlin nightlife since it was opened by an Austrian in 1994.
Punters can register online for the swab tests, which will be conducted from Wednesday to Sunday.
A test costs €24.90 ($30) and if the result is positive, the infected person should immediately quarantine and contact their doctor, the club said.
The move caused a stir on social media, with people joking about how long the queues – which were a regular feature when the club was open – will be for tests.
Everyone’s favorite Berlin sex club just became your neighborhood rapid corona test center. And what was true before for Kitkat may be just as true now: Get there early to beat the line getting in. https://t.co/uiyAFsd3bp
— William Noah Glucroft (@wnglucroft) November 30, 2020
2020 is wild. KitKatClub, once a place that was a source of many different kinds of infections, will now start offering corona rapid tests stating Friday. pic.twitter.com/lKVZpRbzh9
— cherry berry quite contrary ? (@cherrysberries) November 30, 2020
Nightlife hit by pandemic
Clubs and bars across Germany, especially in Berlin, are reeling from months of closure due to coronavirus restrictions.
Despite financial support from the city, short-time working and crowdfunding campaigns, many are fighting for survival.
The famous Berghain club has been keeping the spirit of Berlin nightlife alive by offering an exhibition of work by local contemporary artists.
However, even exhibitions and galleries have had to close, along with restaurants, bars, cafes and leisure facilities, throughout November and until at least December 20th.
Berlin's reputation as the capital of German nightlife and techno music attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year.
READ ALSO: Berlin clubs receive an average of €81,000 to ensure corona doesn't kill off techno
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