The central government has allowed full occupancy in cinema halls and multiplexes starting from February 1. In this regard, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cinema halls and theatres to prevent the spread of the ongoing novel coronavirus. "There is good news. In February, people can watch and enjoy films in theatres as we are allowing full occupancy in all cinema halls. Cinema halls can now open at 100 per cent capacity. We encourage as much online booking (of tickets) as possible," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters today.
The development comes days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people as per fresh COVID-19 reopening guidelines, to be effective from February 1.
The minister has released a set of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- No films shall be screened in containment zones
- To ensure the safety of viewers, cinema halls have taken some other measures, apart from the mandatory wearing of masks and temperature checks
- Digital booking of tickets at all cinema halls
- Staggered show timings will be encouraged so that the entry and exit of the crowd can be managed better
- Sanitisation and all COVID-19 safety protocols must be followed
- Customers can also buy food and beverage from the stalls at the theatres and can carry it with them inside the auditorium
Javadekar said he hopes people will "welcome" this move as the government is working towards relaxing several restrictions imposed due to the abnormal challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Post lockdown, the Centre had allowed reopening of theatres and multiplexes in several regions, including Delhi, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on October 15, 2020 with 50 per cent occupancy, functioning with stringent dos and don'ts, keeping in view the new normal.
Theatres in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh opened last November, whereas cinema halls in Tamil Nadu and Kerala resumed operation in early January.
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