New Delhi: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar today released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for screening of films. This SOP on preventive measures for screening of films has been prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. While issuing the SOP, Javadekar said that as per the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs, cinema halls will reopen from October 15, 2020. For this the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared this SOP.
The guiding principles include the general principles, which include thermal screening of all visitors / employees, adequate physical distance, use of face cover / mask, frequent hand washing, provision of hand sanitizer and breathing etiquette in relation to screening of films. Including those given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Ministry has prepared this general SOP keeping in view the notified international procedures in this area including physical distance, entry and exit with designated queue markers, sanitization, staff safety, minimum contact. The seating arrangement will be limited to 50 percent of the total capacity. The timing of multiplex shows will be divided in such a way that the time between start and end of their shows will be different. The temperature setting will be in the range of 24 degrees to 30 degrees centigrade.
The guiding principles and SOPs will be used by all the states, other stakeholders and state governments while resuming the film. The performance of films is a major economic activity and has contributed substantially to the country’s gross domestic product. Given the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that various stakeholders engaged in film screening activities take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic while resuming their operations and activities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for reopening of cinema houses, theaters and multiplexes with a seating capacity of 50 percent in areas outside the Containment Zone with effect from October 15, 2020 by order dated 30 September 2020.
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