Unlock 5.0: Information and Broadcasting ministry issues a set of guidelines for cinema halls

The Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Tuesday before the theatres begin operation from October 15. Movie theatres, which have been permitted to begin operation from this month, have to strictly adhere to the guidelines released by the ministry. Since nationwide lockdown was enforced in March, movie halls across the country had to be shut down following the government’s advisory.

Here is I&B’s Standard Operating Procedures and guidelines:

Thermal screening of visitors: Staff and visitors have to undergo and mandatory thermal screening and only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed into the theatre. There must be sufficient time between two consecutive screenings to ensure staggered entry and exit from the cinema halls.

50 per cent occupancy in the theatres: The theatres have been allowed to operate with 50 per cent occupancy. Proper crowd management in the theatre premises, parking lot, elevator, washrooms and lobby has been



advised.

No-contact transaction: The preferred mode of transaction for the purchase of ticket, food or beverage is digital no-contact transactions. People can buy tickets by using e-wallets or can make an online booking for the same.

Public service announcements: Public service announcements on wearing mask, maintaining social distance, sanitising hands frequently and following other measures should be made thrice, ie. before the screening, during intermission and at the end of the screening.

Frequent sanitisation of the theatre premises: Common facilities like washrooms, lobby, seating area, should be sanitised frequently. The safety of sanitisation staff should also be prioritised. 

Adequate cross-ventilation: Multiplex authorities should make sure that there is proper cross-ventilation and the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices is maintained.

Food delivery prohibited: Delivery of food and beverage inside the auditorium shall be prohibited.