New Delhi (NVI): The Maharashtra government has allowed the reopening of cinema halls, multiplexes, drama theatres from today in areas outside containment zones.
All cinema halls and multiplexes were closed since lockdown was imposed in late March to curb the spread of COVID-19.
However, as the Unlocking unfolds, the cinema halls, theatres have been granted permission to reopen keeping all COVID-19 protocols in mind.
“Cinema halls and auditoriums outside the containment zones will operate with only 50 per cent capacity in areas outside containment zones from November 5. No eatables will be allowed inside the cinema halls theatres, multiplexes, drama theatres,” the order from the state government read.
Also, thermal screening, masks and time to time sanitisation will be mandatory. All these facilities will have to strictly observe social distancing.
All cinema halls need to have a staggering show timing among different screens in order to have enough time for sanitisation of seats and the rest of the area in the halls, the order said.
The Centre had already allowed reopening the cinema halls from October 15, however, the multiplex owners welcomed the state circular on Wednesday.
Apart from this, Yoga institutes outside the containment zones will also be allowed to function but under strict COVID-19 guidelines.
So far, in worst-hit Maharashtra COVID-19 tally stands at 16.9 lakh, while 44,548 died in the state from the pandemic.
-RJV
