Cinema halls have been shut since March as a part of coronavirus-linked restrictions. They will now open across India from 15th October. On 6th October 2020, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar released rules and procedures for how theatres can allow the public inside. According to the new rules, only 50% occupancy will be allowed. Back to back shows are not allowed. After every show, they have kept some time so that the theatre can be thoroughly sanitized. Thermal screening, social distancing, masks, hand sanitizers will be mandatory. Seating arrangements must be made in such a way that people are not sitting close to each other. Seats in which people are not allowed to sit must be marked. After the movie, customers must exit row-wise to prevent crowds. 

Customers' phone numbers will be saved, to facilitate contact tracing. If someone who watched the movie gets infected, theatres can use the contact numbers and call other customers to tell them to be careful and remain home. This will help control the spread of the virus. Only packed food and beverages will be permitted; delivery inside the auditorium won't be allowed. The government stressed that respiratory etiquettes have to be strictly followed, which means that people will have to cough/sneeze into tissues and dispose of it later. Spitting is prohibited.

The temperature of ACs must remain in the 24-30°C range. All patrons have been advised to install the Aarogya Setu app on their phones. Strict action must be taken against those violating the rules. As far as payments are concerned, digital no-contact transactions for food/beverages/tickets will be preferred. Theatres will not open in containment zones.

Tags

• Theatre
• Movies
• Reopen
• India

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