Theatres allowed to operate with 100% occupancy from Feb 1, digital transactions to be encouraged: Javadekar
However, films cannot be shown in containment zones. According to new guidelines, no film shall be allowed to screen in containment zones and states and union territories may consider “proposing additional measures” as per their assessment.
FollowNew Delhi: Cinema halls across the country will be permitted to operate at full capacity from February 1 with adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Prakash Javadekar announced on Sunday.
These guidelines come days after the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed operation of cinema halls with full capacity while mandating the I&B Ministry to issue a Standard Operating Procedure. Till now, only 50% capacity was allowed.
However, films cannot be shown in containment zones. According to new guidelines, no film shall be allowed to screen in containment zones and states and union territories may consider “proposing additional measures” as per their assessment.
Adequate physical distancing, mandatory face masks and sanitisation of auditorium after every screening are among the latest SOPs issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Sunday, after the government allowed cinema halls to operate at 100 percent occupancy from Monday.
Digital booking of tickets and staggered show timings to avoid crowding will be encouraged, the minister said, releasing a set of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
"There is good news. In February, people can watch and enjoy films in theatres as we are allowing full occupancy in all cinema halls. We encourage as much online booking (of tickets) as possible," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.
The SOP also wants cinema halls to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience and there should be sufficient time intervals between successive screenings.
