MHA Issues New SOPS And Guidelines For Cinema Halls, Multiplexes As They Reopen From October 15

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar took to his social media on Tuesday and tweeted the list of precautionary measures that need to be applied by theatre owners to ensure the safety of the audience. Read on.

New Delhi: The Ministry Home Affairs (MHA) announced the Standard Operating Process for cinema halls and multiplexes as they are all set to reopen from 15^th October with 50 per cent of their sitting capacity. Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar took to his social media on Tuesday and tweeted the list of precautionary measures that need to be applied by theatre owners to ensure the safety of the audience. The guidelines include - occupancy of the auditorium shall not be more than 50%, adequate physical distancing while seating, seats which are not supposed to be occupied shall be marked as such, provision for handwash and sanitizers, installation and use of Aarogya Setu app has been advised and only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed inside the cinema halls after the thermal screening. The guideline further adds that if a person is found COVID-19 positive, the cinema halls’ premises should be disinfected. Also, Public Service Announcements (PSA) should be made for maintaining the basic protocols and safety before and after the movie’s screening and also during intermission. Also, floor markers should be used for queue management and physical distancing. Only packaged food and beverages will be allowed prohibiting the delivery of food inside the cinema halls and the audience should avoid movement during intermission. A sufficient number of counters shall be opened at the box office and there must be regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office and other areas. Prakash Javadekar’s tweet read while sharing the guidelines, “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”

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

Meanwhile, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued an order that cinema exhibition in Delhi will not resume on October 15 and closure of all cinema exhibition has been extended till October 31 in the Capital. Stay tuned for the latest updates!