Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar issued 24 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the exhibition of films in film theatres across India.
As per orders of the Central Government, cinemas/ theatres/multiplexes will be reopening from 15th October.
The SOPs include running theatres at no more than 50% occupancy and following mandatory physical distancing norms. The SOPs also include temperature setting inside cinema halls between 24-30 degrees and mandatory collection of contact details of those who book tickets for the purpose of contact tracing. The ministry has also said ticket counters shall remain open throughout the day to prevent crowds and to encourage advance bookings.
Here are the complete guidelines:
1. Adequate physical distancing while seating
2. Occupancy of the auditorium shall not be more than 50%
3. Seats "not to be occupied" shall be marked as such
4. Provision for hand wash and hand sanitizers
5. Installation and use of Arogya Setu application shall be advised to all
6. Self-monitoring of health and reporting any illness
7. Audience must be encouraged to avoid movement during the intermission
8. Staggered show timings shall be followed for different screens
9. Digital modes of payments to be encouraged
10. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office, and other areas
11. Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened
12. Floor markers shall be used for physical distancing for queue management at box office
13. Purchase of tickets at box office to be open throughout the day, advance booking to be allowed to avoid crowding
14. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited
15. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed
16. Multiple sale counters for food and beverage
17. Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed, no delivery inside the hall
18. Measures for the safety and sanitisation of staff such as adequate provisions for gloves, boots, masks, etc.
19. Thermal screening to be carried out. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed
20. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises
21. Contact number shall be taken to facilitate contact tracing
22. Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened
23. Do's and Don'ts shall be communicated at prominent access points
24. COVID-19 related stigmatization or unruly behaviour shall be dealt with strictly