Cinema halls to reopen Oct 15 onwards with 50pc capacity, one seat distance, says I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar

New Delhi: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday announced SOPs for reopening of cinema.

He said, only 50 per cent seating will be allowed of the total capacity of cinema halls. Alternate seats will be left vacant for social distancing; Face masks will be mandatory inside the cinema halls.

SOPs for reopening of cinema?️ halls announced

Only 50 per cent seating will be allowed of the total capacity of cinema halls. Alternate seats will be left vacant for social distancing; Face masks will be mandatory inside the cinema halls: Union Minister @PrakashJavdekar pic.twitter.com/U4UQKM3hrP

— PIB India (@PIB_India) October 6, 2020

SOP for exhibition of films 

Social distancing, thermal screening and frequent sanitization are among the guidelines issued for operation of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes, which were allowed to resume operations recently under the Unlock 5 guidelines.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued new guidelines to re-open more activities in areas outside the containment zones and to extend the lockdown in the zones up to October 31, 2020.

Lockdown to remain in force in Containment Zones till October 31, 2020.

The national directives for COVID-19 management include, compulsory use of face covers/mask, follow physical distancing, spitting in public places is prohibited, work from home should be encouraged, frequent sanitization of the entire workplace and thermal scanning.