Government issues guidelines for re-opening cinema halls — 50% capacity, one-seat distance, compulsory masks and other measures

• Cinema halls will reopen on October 15 as per the MHA’s Unlock 5 guidelines.
• These are the guidelines and SOPs to be followed at all cinema halls.
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After seven months of shutdown due to COVID-19, cinema halls will reopen on October 15 as per the MHA guidelines, the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Tuesday.

"Cinema halls have been shut for the last seven months. They are now opening from October 15. For the safety of people, we have come out with SOP to be followed," Javadekar said.

These are the guidelines and SOPs to be followed at all cinema halls:

• Cinema halls will only be allowed to accommodate people up to 50% of their capacity.
• Visitors will maintain one-seat distance and will have to wear masks at all times mandatorily.
• At the briefing, the Union minister said that online booking of tickets would be encouraged, but box offices will be open for single-screen theatres.
• The minister also directed cinema halls to ensure proper ventilation and temperature setting of all air conditioning should be above 23 degree Celsius.
• The show timings of the screenings will also be staggered in order to ensure no overcrowding.

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