New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday (March 12) announced that all cinema halls will remain shut in the capital till March 31 as a comprehensive measure to prevent Coronavirus. Schools and colleges where exams are not being held will also remain shut. The Delhi government declared the deadly COVID-19 an epidemic in the city. The decision was taken keeping in mind the rising numbers of cases in not just Delhi but also around the world.

"Delhi govt has declared Coronavirus an epidemic. We need to exercise abundant caution to contain the disease. All cinema halls, schools, colleges in Delhi will be shut until 31st March, but exams will continue as scheduled. People are advised to stay away from public gatherings," Kejriwal wrote on the micro-blogging site.



"Delhi cinemas shall be closed as per government directives," an official announcement by Carnival cinemas read.

“The impact of Corona virus on the business and on general life shall be significant. We support the cause of prevention of COVID 19. Carnival Cinemas is taking all the possible precautions like hand sanitizers at all entry and exit levels, gloves and better hygiene measures at all our outlets, regional and head offices. Our staff has been briefed on how to handle the situation in case of emergency,” Mr Mohan Umrotkar, CEO, Carnival Cinemas said in the statement.

"We are closely following all the advisories from the relevant government authorities at local, state and national levels. With regards to Delhi, we will surely follow the advisory the moment we receive it," an official statement by INOX said.

PVR Ltd also issued an official statement in the wake of recent developments on COVID-19.

"This is with reference to advisory issued by states of Kerala, Delhi and UT of Jammu & Kashmir to shut down all cinema Halls till 31st March, 2020 as a precautionary and preventive measure to prevent spread of COVID-19. All of us at PVR have utmost concern for the safety and wellbeing of each of our guests, and in the same context, we fully respect the decision of respective state governments and UT Administration. We believe that this is a temporary situation and remain buoyant about the film business in India, and our own growth prospects. We also look forward to continuing to serve our guests in the States of Kerala, Delhi and UT of Jammu and offering them a world class movie going experience 1st April 2020 onwards," the statement read.

The makers of Akshay Kumar’s ‘Sooryavanshi’ have decided to delay the film’s release owing to the Coronavirus scare. They are yet to announce the new release date of the movie co-starring Katrina Kaif.

Watch this space for more updates!

(With inputs from IANS)