Karnataka government to permit theatres for 100 per cent seat occupancy from October 1

After continuous follow up with the government to secure permission for 100 per cent seat occupancy, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce managed to get the consent except for four districts bordering Kerala-Karnataka.

Good news for the film industry and theatre owners as the government has permitted 100 per cent seat occupancy. However, there is a restriction in four districts as the positivity rate is still about 1 per cent. According to NM Suresh, General Secretary, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the CM held a meeting with the expert committee, and the Chief Secretary was also present. 

After the meeting, it was decided to allow theatres to open from October 1st in districts where the positivity rate is below 1 per cent. Not just theatres, pubs, restaurants, drama theatres are also allowed to fill 100 per cent of seats from October 3 by following all the standard operating procedures. 

The government, however, has yet to permit the same in four districts that border Kerala. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu will have to wait for some more time as the positivity rate is above 1 percent, and since the cases in Kerala are still a concern. The Karnataka government seems not to risk and hence this decision. Dakshina Kannada has a positivity rate of 1.19 per cent, Udupi, 1.36, Chikkamagalauru, 1.27, and Kodagu has a 1.14 per cent positivity rate. 

Permission comes with restrictions:The government, however, has come with a set of rules for 100 per cent seat occupancy. Pregnant women, aged people with children are not allowed, and the public coming to theatres should have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

All the theatres will screen the public with thermal scanners and make face masks and sanitization of hands compulsory before entry. As per the information, if the positivity rate jumps above 2 per cent in any of these districts, all entertainment activity will be suspended.