Photos: Swiss nightclub, shuttered by COVID-19, reborn as blood donation centre

The MAD nightclub in the town of Lausanne now light the way for nurses to insert needles

Last updated: December 08, 2020 | 16:03

Reuters and compiled by Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor

2 MIN READ

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A Swiss nightclub shuttered by COVID-19 restrictions has been converted into a temporary blood donation centre, bringing new life to an empty multi-floor warehouse that previously heaved with revellers.

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Chandeliers that used to illumine the dance floor for thousands of party-goers at the MAD nightclub in the student town of Lausanne now light the way for nurses to insert needles as songs by Queen, the Bee Gees and Michael Jackson play.

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"It was almost heartbreaking to see a place like this which has existed for almost 35 years asleep for so long," said manager Igor Blaska (pictured). "So of course we were proud to organise any activity that was possible."

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The nightclub in the Flon district, normally at the heart of the city's nightlife, has been shut for almost 10 months due to restrictions aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.

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Switzerland has been hit hard by a second wave of COVID-19 cases. In total, it has reported more than 350,000 infections and more than 5,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

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One former reveller-turned-blood donor said it felt good to be back at MAD -- which stands for Moulin a Danse or 'dance mill', and has a giant, red wheel suspended from the roof.

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"I came without question because it is a legendary place," said Olivier Rebel. "There was this side (of me, saying) - get out of the house, go back to a place I'm not going to anymore but which is full of memories. It was just nice."

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Technician Mika plays music as people give blood.

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People give blood on the stage of the closed MAD (Moulin a Danse) night club.

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A bag with blood is pictured as people give blood (not pictured) on the stage of the closed MAD (Moulin a Danse) night club.

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A woman squeezes a ball to keep blood flowing while donating blood.

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Samples of blood are pictured during the blood donation event.

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A staff member brings equipment as people give blood (not pictured) on the stage of the closed MAD (Moulin a Danse) night club.

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