Government Permits Cinema Halls to Operate at Full Capacity

India, February 2: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in a new SOP issued on 31st January, has allowed all cinema halls and theatres to operate at full capacity.

Announcing the decision, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar added that sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theatres.

He mentioned that the restrictions put in place due to COVID are on the verge of ending.

The SOP states that no exhibition of film shall be allowed in containment zones and that states/UTs may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.

The General Guidelines specify that respiratory etiquettes must be followed including usage of face masks, adequate social distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times, spitting will be prohibited and usage of AarogyaSetu app will be encouraged.

Thermal screening of visitors would be carried out at entry and exit and should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding. Sufficient time interval between successive screenings on a single screen as well as on various screens in a multiplex must be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience. Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding. The SOP promotes usage of contactless digital transactions for payments for tickets, food, and beverages etc.

Sufficient number of box office counters shall be opened and purchase of tickets at the box office shall be open throughout the day and advance booking shall be allowed to avoid crowding at the sale counters.

By: R News India 24