Coronavirus: I&B Ministry issues SOP for cinema halls; 50% seating capacity, masks mandatory
All standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by I&B Ministry must be followed at all cinema halls/theatres, said Union information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar.
FollowNew Delhi: As per orders of the Central Government, cinemas halls, theatres and multiplexes reopen from October 15, I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday. The theatres have been directed to operate with up to 50% of their seating capacity with one seat-distance.
No food will be delivered inside the halls, only packaged food will be allowed, face masks and thermal screening will be mandatory, show timings will be staggered, and your contact number will be taken to facilitate contact tracing later, if required.
These are some of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) released by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday (October 6).
· Cinema halls to reopen from 15th October
· To operate with 50% occupancy
· Only packed food to be allowed
· Proper ventilation and AC temperature in the range of 24 to 30 degree Celsius
The Home Ministry had said on September 30, “Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with up to 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.”
Theatres had been shut ever since lockdown was imposed in March in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Several big films such as 'Sooryavanshi', '83', 'Laal Singh Chaddha', 'Radhe' and others have been slated for a release. Owing to the pandemic, many Bollywood stars had taken to the OTT platform to release their films.
While these are the Centre’s guidelines, the I&B Ministry said that states and Union Territories “may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.”
