Cinemas to reopen from Oct 15 with 50% capacity

Cinemas to reopen from Oct 15 with 50% capacity

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:07.10.2020

The government on Tuesday gave the green signal for cinemas to reopen from October 15 and issued directions such as running at 50% capacity, physical distancing in common areas, use of masks, and easy availability of sanitisers in touch-free mode at entry and exit points.

Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar released the SOPs on Tuesday and said measures like one-seat distance between viewers, would ensure that even as the business of film exhibition resumes, it is done keeping in mind all safety protocols.

While cinema halls in containment zones will remain shut, the government has allowed states and UTs to add extra measures in their respective regions as per local assessments. The guidelines mandate adequate physical distancing of at least six feet outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times, use of face masks, and mandatory availability of hand sanitisers at entry and exit points and common areas inside the premises.

While the use of Aarogya Setu app has not been made mandatory, the SOPs advise its installation and use. Javadekar also said online booking of tickets will be encouraged but box office will be open for single-screen theatres. “Proper ventilation has to be ensured and temperature setting of all air conditioning should be above 23 degree celsius,” he said.

The new SOPs also disallow any overlap between start, finish or intermission time in multiplexes. They also mandate the collection of contact numbers of all those who book tickets to facilitate contact tracing. Box offices will remain open for ticketing throughout the day and advance booking will be allowed to avoid crowds.

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