Govt Allows Cinema Halls And Multiplexes To Operate At Cent Per Cent Occupancy From 1 February

In a big boost for the nation's film exhibition industry involving thousands of cinemas and multiplexes, the Government has allowed them to go for cent per cent occupancy beginning 1 February, reports Livemint.

The decision announced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting comes as a major relief for the industry which had been one of the worst-hit by the imposition of lockdown and other restrictions on occupancy since March of last year.

The Ministry has also issued standard operating procedures (SOPs) which are to be followed by the cinema halls. These state that no films shall be screened in any of the containment zones. In addition to this, all staff and viewers will have to follow measures like adequate physical distancing of at least six feet, use of face covers or masks and the installation of Arogya Setu application on their phones.

The SOPs also state that the theatres will have to be sanitised after every screening and that the temperature of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degrees Celcius. Also, staggered show timings shall be followed for multiple screens to avoid crowding.