Cinema theatres to reopen next week in Kerala

Relaxing the COVID-19 curbs in Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has given permission to open cinema theatres in the state. The state government has also allowed to conduct religious and cultural events with minimum participation.

Thiruvananthapuram: The cinema theatres, which have remained closed from March 2020 in Kerala owing to the COVID pandemic, are set to reopen from January 5. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the operations would be carried out by following the pandemic regulations and in full compliance with the COVID protocols.

As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), only fifty per cent of the seating capacity must be filled during the shows. Before reopening, the theatres must be completely disinfected.

"The theatre operators must ensure that all guidelines set by the State Health Department are strictly followed during operations. Stringent actions would be initiated against anyone who violates the COVID guidelines," CM said.

The COVID structures in many sectors have been relaxed from January 5 as part of the phased lifting of restrictions. The Government has also permitted to organise cultural events in connection with the festivals at the places of worship.

Maximum of 100 persons would be allowed in programmes conducted inside the halls or auditoriums, while as many as 200 can attend programmes in the outdoor venues.

Art and culture events not associated with the festivals can also be conducted in a similar manner. Sports and swimming classes and training programmes can also be conducted. Exhibition halls can be opened by allowing entry to a specified number of visitors. All such relaxations would be effected from January 5.

The hostel facilities for the SSLC and Plus Two students from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Communities would be reopened while ensuring COVID protocols.