Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that Cinema halls can now operate with full capacity and released a standard operating procedure on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 for cinema halls and theatres.
He added that sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theatres. 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.
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.
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.
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.
