The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), in a recent report along with FICCI, released the new plans for safety and precautions, which will be considered across all theatres and cinema houses in India. Ever since the lockdown was announced in India in March, cinema halls have closed as per the directives issued by the government. While the theatres have been facing a huge loss due to this, some production houses, on the other hand, chose to release their films on digital (OTT) platforms.
But since the lockdown has been eased in many cities or 'green zones' across the country, officials from several multiplex chains have been asked to plan precautionary measures to ensure safety once the government gives a nod to open them for the public.
Following are the points mentioned by MAI in the report:
1. Keeping the global cinema standards in mind, precautionary social distancing norms will be followed in normal auditoriums, where groups, couples and families will be seated together, but one adjacent seat would be left empty.
2. To ensure safety during the sales at the box office and food counters, officials have been asked to follow contact-less purchase. Food and beverage can be ordered over an app and single-use disposable packaging is encouraged. Premium cinema halls can use cutlery and crockery
3. Employees in the cinema halls will also be asked to follow guidelines on a daily basis. Arogya Setu app will be made mandatory for all employees and only staff with medical certificates and clearance will be allowed to come to work. Masks and gloves will be made mandatory at all times.
4. Hygiene and sanitization mandates have also been issued, where multiplex chains will have to purchase supplies only from authentic suppliers. Garbage has to be separated and disposed of as per the suggested methods. Washrooms have to be cleaned and sanitised on a regular basis and people will be encouraged to use urinals.
5. Staff will have to be alert at all times to manage the crowd and detect issues.
6. Multiplex chains will have to ensure that safety announcements and precautionary measures are promoted regularly through all mediums.
7. One-time use of 3D glasses should be followed for all normal auditoriums. For premium cinema halls, 3D glasses have to be cleaned and sanitised after every use.
8. To ensure social distancing is maintained, people will have to follow the demarcated circles at all cinema houses. Directives will be mentioned and marked at all points of sales. Further, digital payments will be encouraged to avoid queues.
9. Infrared scanners will be used to check body temperatures. Masks will be made mandatory for customers and they will be available for purchase. Officials will also ensure that hand sanitizers are placed.
10. In order to ensure safety, these guidelines will be followed for the first two months and then reviewed further.
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