Cinema halls across the country are about to open on October 15. Ahead of the same, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday announced standard operating protocols (SOPs), for the opening of halls. As per the current directive, halls will function with only 50 per cent occupancy.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the cinema halls were shut down back in the march along with nation-wide lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Now, things are getting back to normal and the country is in the process of unlocking.
Javadekar was addressing a press conference and in the same, he said, "Ministry has issued SOPs to all the multiplexes and single-screen theatres today. Only 50 per cent occupancy of the seats will be allowed inside the auditorium. And seats to remain vacant should be marked properly."
Here are some of the main points that have been announced today:
- The occupancy in the auditorium halls has to be limited to 50 per cent
- Adequate physical distancing to be maintained while seating. At least six feet has to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times.
- Seats that are to left vacant, to be marked "Not to be occupied"
- No exhibition of the film shall be allowed in containment zones
- Provision for hand sanitizer and washing
- All halls will be advised to Install and use Aarogaya Setu app
- Thermal temperature check before entering the halls
- Self-monitoring of health and reporting of all illness
- Multiplexes have been asked to follow staggered show timing for different screening to avoid crowding
- Encourage digital bookings. single screen theatres need to open more booking windows and to remain open throughout the day to avoid crowding
- Regular disinfection of the halls and common areas
- The audience is advised to avoid movement during the interval
- Floor marking to help maintain social distancing in common areas
- Spitting shall be strictly prohibited in the multiplexes or theatres
- Only packaged food and beverages will be allowed and no delivery should be made in the auditorium. He also said that multiple counters for food and beverages should be open
- Proper hand gloves, PPE kits and boots are provided to the staff members
- Mobile numbers to be taken at cinema halls to assist in contract tracing
- A one-minute film needs to be shown before and after the show to spread awareness about Covid-19, wearing masks and maintaining hygiene & social distance
- Javadekar further said that a face mask is mandatory
- The temperature needs to be maintained between 23-30 degree Celsius.
- Provisions for proper ventilation should be made in the theatre.
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