Govt issues SOPs for reopening movie theatres and multiplexes

New Delhi: After the home ministry gave a green signal on the reopening of movie theatres outside containment zones from October 15, the information and broadcasting ministry on Tuesday issued SOPs regarding the operations at cinemas and multiplexes.

According to the new guidelines, the basic physical distancing of at least six feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common and waiting areas, and usage of face masks or face covers are mandatory and sanitization system will be in the touch-free mode.

Whereas the cinema halls will be operated with 50 per cent occupancy to maintain adequate physical distancing. Seats "Not to be occupied" will be marked. Though the Centre has not mandated the installation of 'Arogya Setu' mobile app but advised to install and use for the visitors, but mandatory for staff.

The government has also directed that older employee, pregnant employees, employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. They should preferably not be exposed to any front-line work requiring direct contact with the public.

Adding, the number of people in the elevators will also be restricted to maintain the physical distancing norms. "Staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding. The show commencement time, intermission period and finish time of a show at any screen shall not overlap with the commencement time, intermission period or finish time of a show at any other screen in a multiplex," the SOP further adds.

In an important move, the ministry has also decided to run an awareness campaign through a short film on COVID-19. While addressing the media persons the minister Prakash Javadekar announced that such films will be shown before the film starts, before the interval and after the interval.

The government has also preferred the digital no-contact transaction mode for the ticket booking, payments for food and beverages, etc by using online bookings, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc.

Also, the 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. The movie theatres or the multiplex auditoriums will be sanitized after every screening. Frequent sanitization has to be ensured in the entire premises, common facilities and all points which come into human contact.

The Centre has also asked the authorities to ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office, food and beverage areas, employee and staff lockers, toilets, public areas. Further, disinfection of the premises to be taken up if any person is found positive.

The ministry has also directed to maintain adequate ventilation system for intake of fresh air as much as possible. According to the CPWD guidelines, temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30°C, and relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent. Also, the re-circulation of air to be avoided to the extent possible, the government asked.