Trying to entertain themselves within the four walls for the past 7 months, people are now frustrated and are willing to get a change in their lives. Although the restaurants and cafes have now started opening, multiplexes and cinema halls still remain shut. However, the Government of India has now permitted the opening of cinemas/theatres/multiplexes from 15 October 2020, under certain guidelines. Apart from restricting the occupancy to not more than 50%, here is what you may need to know about the SOPs recently issued by the Indian Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Some General Measures
Both the workers and visitors need to follow all the physical distancing norms at all times, along with mandatory use of face masks, availability of preferably touch-free sanitizers, respiratory hygiene, and installation of arogya setu app.
The thermal screening process to be carried out at entry points and only asymptomatic people are to be allowed inside. Entry and exit will be done row-wise. The occupancy should be not more than 50% and the seating arrangement should be followed as per the physical distancing rules.
What Will Be The Timings?
The timings of the shows will be such that the commencement time, intermission, and finish time of one show doesn’t overlap with another show. This is to ensure proper physical distancing is followed. Also, longer intermission is recommended to avoid overcrowding in the common areas, which implies that the showtimes will be longer than usual.
Ticket Bookings And Payments
Contactless digital transactions should be preferred. People should be encouraged to use online booking methods, use of e-wallets, QR code scanners, etc. Ticket counters will be open throughout the day and advance booking will be allowed. Floor markers to be used to follow physical distancing for queue management.
Are Food And Beverages Allowed?
People can munch on their favorite snacks and sip some amazing beverages in cinema halls, however, customers should be encouraged to use cinema apps, QR codes, etc. for ordering food. Physical distancing should be maintained in the queue at the food counters. Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed and delivery of such items inside the auditorium shall be prohibited.
Sanitization Process
Apart from all these, proper and frequent sanitization will be ensured after every screening. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the box office, food and beverage areas, employee and staff lockers, toilets, public areas, and back-office areas shall be ensured. Also, the disinfection of the premises to be taken up if any person is found positive.
Therefore, although cinema halls, theatres, and many other places are gradually opening, people should be aware that the global pandemic has not yet ended and all preventive measures are to be followed strictly to avoid contracting and spreading of the COVID-19 infection.
