Prakash Javadekar, I&B Minister, released the guidelines for the re-opening of cinemas from October 15, 2020. The released video contains 24 SOP for exhibition of films during UNLOCK 5.0.
In his tweet Mr. Javadekar wrote, “Announced the Standard operating procedures, SOP’s for cinema halls, multiplexes etc. for screening of films, as they reopen from 15th of October as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.
#UnlockWithPrecautions”
Announced the Standard operating procedures, SOP's for cinema halls, multiplexes etc. for screening of films, as they reopen from 15th of October as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.#UnlockWithPrecautions pic.twitter.com/X1XZFZoDAT
— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) October 6, 2020
The complete SOP issued by the government is as follows –
1. Occupancy of the auditorium shall not be more than 50%.
2. Adequate physical distancing while seating.
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 App shall be advised to all.
6. Thermal screening to be carried out. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed.
7. Self-monitoring of health and reporting any illness.
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. Audience encouraged to avoid movement during the intermission
13. Floor markers shall be used for physical distancing for queue management at box office
14. Purchase of tickets at box office to be open throughout the day, advance booking to be allowed to avoid crowding
15. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited
16. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed
17. Only packaged food and beverages shall be allowed; no delivery inside hall
18. Multiple sale counters for food and beverage
19. Measures for the safety of sanitization staff such as adequate provisions for gloves, boots, masks, PPE, etc.
20. Contact number shall be taken to facilitate contact tracing
21. Sufficient number of counters at the box office shall be opened
22. COVID-19 related stigmatisation or unruly behaviour shall be dealt with strictly
23. Temperature setting of all air conditioning should be in the range of 24°-30°C
24. Public service announcements on wearing masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene to be made before and after screening and during intermission
After seven months when theatres re-open these guidelines are to be implemented by the cinema owners. While the opening of cinema halls is a relief for the theatre owners, the 50% occupancy might still be a concern for them. Well, something seems better than nothing.
Now that the government has released its guidelines the only wait is for the filmmakers to finalise the release dates of their unreleased and not sold to OTT films. While the big budget movies would prefer going for theatrical release, this period of lockdown has given birth to a new format altogether. The rush would definitely not be the same as it was in a pre-COVID situation.
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