COVID-19: Union Min Javadekar announces SOPs for reopening of cinema halls under Unlock 5

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday declared that cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes will reopen on October 15 under the newly-announced guidelines of 'Unlock 5'. During a media briefing, Javadekar announced that all COVID-19 guidelines and standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry must be followed at all cinema halls and theatres. Cinema halls will open nearly after seven months. They have been shut across the country since March when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic. "Cinema halls are shut for last seven months. They are now opening from October 15. For safety of people, we have come out with SOP to be followed," Javadekar said. '50 per cent capacity only' Union Minister further said cinema halls shall be allowed to open with 50 per cent capacity only and people will maintain one-seat distance. Wearing masks at all times will be important, he added. He also said that online booking of tickets will be encouraged however box office will be open for single-screen theatres. "In single-screen theatres, ticket counters will be opened. However, we encourage online booking for contact-less transactions. Proper ventilation has to be ensured and temperature setting of all air conditioning should be above 23 degree Celsius," he said. READ | Unlock 5: Cinema halls in U'khand to open from Oct 15 READ | Unlock 5: Cinema halls in Uttarakhand to open from October 15 HERE ARE THE SOPs FOR CINEMA HALLS: Occupancy of the auditorium shall not be more than 50 per cent Adequate physical distancing while seating Seats 'Not to be occupied' shall be marked as such Provision for hand wash and hand sanitisers Installation and use of the Arogya Setu App shall be advised to all Thermal screening to be carried out. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed Self-monitoring of health and reporting any illness Staggered show timings shall be followed for different screens Digital modes of payments to be encouraged Regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office, and other areas Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened Audience encouraged to avoid movement during the intermission Floor markets shall be used for physical distancing for queue management at box office Purchase of tickets at box office to be open throughout the day, advance booking to be allowed to avoid crowding Spitting shall be strictly prohibited Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed; no delivery inside hall Multiple sale counters for food and beverage Measures for the safety of sanitisation staff such as adequate provisions for gloves, boots, masks, PPE, etc Contact number shall be taken to facilitate contact tracing Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened COVID-19 related stigmatisation or unruly behaviour shall be dealt with strictly Temperature setting of all air conditioning should be in the range of 24-30 degree Celsius Public service announcements on wearing masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene to be made before and after screening and during intermission. Announced the Standard operating procedures, SOP's for cinema halls, multiplexes etc. for screening of films, as they reopen from 15th of October as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.#UnlockWithPrecautions pic.twitter.com/X1XZFZoDAT — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) October 6, 2020 SOPs for reopening of cinema🎞️ halls announced Only 50 per cent seating will be allowed of the total capacity of cinema halls. Alternate seats will be left vacant for social distancing; Face masks will be mandatory inside the cinema halls: Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar pic.twitter.com/U4UQKM3hrP — PIB India (@PIB_India) October 6, 2020 READ | Cinema halls to reopen in West Bengal from October 1: Mamata READ | Assam govt provides subsidy for opening cinema halls (With inputs from PTI)

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COVID-19: Union Min Javadekar announces SOPs for reopening of cinema halls under Unlock 5

Union Min Prakash Javadekar declared that cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes will reopen on October 15 under the newly-announced guidelines of 'Unlock 5'.

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