PANAJI
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday released the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for reopening of cinemas and film exhibitions. The SOP on preventive measures for Exhibition of Films has been prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Releasing the SOP, the Minister said that as per decision of Ministry of Home Affairs, cinema halls will reopen from October 15 and the Ministry of I&B has prepared this SOP.
The guiding principle and SOP may be used by all states and other stakeholders and state governments while resuming exhibition of films.
The highlights of the guiding principles include the general principles which have been given by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare including thermal screening of all visitors/ staffs, adequate physical distancing, use of face covers/masks, frequent hand washing, provision of hand sanitizers, etc and respiratory etiquettes specifically with regard to the exhibition of films.
The Ministry has formulated the general SOPs taking into consideration international practices notified in the sector including physical distancing, entry and exit with designated queue markers, sanitisation, safety of staff, contact minimisation. The seating arrangements shall be restricted to 50 per cent of the seating capacity. Multiplex show timings shall be staggered, so as to not have overlap of show timings. Temperature setting shall be in the range of 24°-30°C.
