Theatres and cinema halls are all set to open from October 15 after seven long months. Keeping precautionary measures in mind, a new set of guidelines have been issued.
As per the government’s guidelines for Unlock 5.0, cinemas and multiplexes have been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity. Under the SOPs mentioned, social distancing is vital while seating. Which means, every alternate seat will be kept vacant and clearly marked. Adding to this, theatres must also have proper sanitation facilities. As made mandatory in all public spaces, the Aarogya Setu App is a necessity. People would be thermally screened before entering. And only asymptomatic individuals would be allowed to enter.
The show timings are also likely to change. Cinema halls will now have staggered show timings to avoid large crowds outside the auditorium before the movie starts. Every area would be regularly sanitized- from the hall to the box office. Inside the auditoriums, the temperature setting of all air conditioners will be between 24-30 degrees Celsius. Regular announcements of wearing masks, sanitizing hands and maintaining social distance would be made before and after the show, and during intermission. You may also provide with your phone number at the hall desk for aiding contact tracing incase.
How To Buy Tickets?
The ministry has asked the authorities to encourage online bookings. However, Box Office counters will continue to remain open. Advance bookings will be taken to avoid crowding. Further, floor markers will be placed to guide physical distancing as well as for queue management.
What about food and beverages?
It would be advised to avoid moving during intermission because of social distancing. No delivery of food will be allowed in the auditorium. Only packaged food and beverages will be served. The number of counters will also be increased to avoid long queues and maintain social distancing.
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