Centre has allowed cinema halls to operate with their full capacity from today. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar yesterday released the new Standard Operating Procedures-SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 for cinema halls and theatres.
Announcing the decision, the Minister said, now Cinema halls can operate with full capacity. He added that sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to. The SOP states that no Exhibition of Film shall be allowed in containment zones and Sates and Union Territories may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.
The SOP also clarifies that all COVID related safety measures must be adhered to inside the premises. 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.
It said, spitting will be prohibited and usage of Aarogya Setu app will be encouraged. It said, thermal screening of visitors would be carried out at entry and exit should be done in a staggered row-wise manner to avoid crowding. Sufficient time intervals between successive screenings on a single screen as well as on various screens in a multiplex will be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience. It said, staggered show timings will be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding.
The SOP promotes usage of contactless digital transactions for payments for tickets, food, and beverages. Besides, frequent sanitization of the entire premises, common facilities, and all points which come into human contact will be ensured and auditorium will be sanitized after every screening.