Cinema halls to have 100% occupancy from Feb 1 onwards, Centre issues new guidelines

The central government has allowed 100% occupancy in cinema halls starting February 1. In the new guidelines released by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, it said: "Seating arrangement inside the auditorium of the cinemas/theatres/multiplexes is to be allowed upto 100% seating capacity." According to the release, no films shall be screened in containment zones and all staff and viewers will have to follow measures such as adequate physical distancing of at least six feet, use face covers or face masks at all times and install Aarogya Setu App on their phones. The movie theatres will have to be sanitised after every screening. Temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30°C, among other precautionary measures. For the unversed, the movie theatres were shut for seven months last year owing to COVID 19 pandemic and have been struggling with low attendance. 

 

Here are the general guidelines at cinema halls to follow from February 1

Adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times.

Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times.

Availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises.

Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.

Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.

Spitting is strictly prohibited.

Installation and use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.

For, Booking and Payments, Digital no-contact transactions should be the most preferred mode for issue/verification/payments for tickets, food, and beverages, etc. by using online bookings, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc.