New Delhi (NVI): With 100% theatre occupancy allowed from tomorrow across the country, the Centre has issued new guidelines on preventive measures for cinema halls and theatres to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The standard operating procedure in this regard was today released by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar.
While announcing the decision, Javadekar said that sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theatres. He added that the restrictions put in place due to COVID are on the verge of ending.
“Good news for Cinema lovers: Today, Issued the revised SOP for the film exhibition, 100% occupancy will be allowed in theatres from 1st February, but all @MoHFW_INDIA #COVID19 guidelines will have to be followed,” Javadekar said in a tweet.
Good news for Cinema lovers:
Today, Issued the revised SOP for the film exhibition, 100% occupancy will be allowed in theatres from 1st February, but all @MoHFW_INDIA #COVID19 guidelines will have to be followed.https://t.co/5vfZtAoHXW@MIB_India pic.twitter.com/89qZpSiMhq
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) January 31, 2021
The fresh SOPs comes in the backdrop of the MHA permitting the opening of cinema halls and theatres in an order dated January 27.
The SOP states that no exhibition of film shall be allowed in containment zones and that States/UTs may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.
The SOP further states 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. Spitting will be prohibited and usage of Aarogya Setu app will be encouraged, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting said in a statement.
In addition to this, 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 interval between successive screenings on a single screen as well as on various screens in a multiplex shall be provided to ensure row-wise staggered entry and exit of the audience. Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding, the Ministry stated.
The SOP also promotes usage of contactless digital transactions for payments for tickets, food, and beverages etc. Sufficient number of box office counters shall be opened and purchase of tickets at the box office shall be open throughout the day and advance booking shall be allowed to avoid crowding at the sale counters.
Frequent sanitization of the entire premises, common facilities, and all points which come into human contact, e.g. handles, railings, etc. shall be ensured and auditorium shall be sanitized after every screening.
The SOP has laid down specific measures for creation of public awareness against COVID by display of Do’s and Don’ts throughout the premises by way of announcements, standees, posters etc, the Ministry said.
-ARK
