Cinema Halls reopening today: Here is what movie goers should keep in mind

After seven months of shut down, cinema halls in many parts of the country will re-open on Thursday. The reopening comes as part of unlock 5 in which other places like entertainment parks have also been allowed to open. In ‘Unlock 5.0’, the Union government allowed multiplexes, cinema halls and theatres to reopen from mid-October within the framework of a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) left it to states to take a final call on the matter. 

As of now, states and union territories, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, have allowed the reopening of cinema halls with stringent dos and don'ts in keeping with the new COVID-19 normal.  

Cinemas will remain closed in other parts like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh and some Northeast states. If you are planning to watch movies in next few days, here are the things you should keep in mind: 

There should be adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. All the movie goers should use face covers/masks at all times. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly. 

Spitting shall be strictly prohibited. Also, you need to download and use Aarogya Setu App. The will not be more than 50 percent capacity and there will be distance between two seats.  

Ticket Booking 

Tickets can only be booked through digital no-contact transactions. Contact number will be taken at the time of booking of tickets to facilitate contact tracing. 

Also, the ministry has stated that COVID-19 related stigmatization or unruly behaviour shall be dealt with strictly by coordination between the auditorium manager(s) and the local authorities