Unlock 5: Cinema halls, multiplex to start operation from October 15 with only 50% seating capacity in place

By Vandana Srivastawa

on September 30, 2020 08:47:47 PM

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released fresh guidelines of Unlock 5 phase that will begin from October 1. In happy news for the entertainment industry the MHA has introduced some more relaxations in the new SOPs that will extend to the reopening of theatres, cinema halls, entertainment parks, swimming pools for the training of sportspersons and business-to-business exhibition. These activities shall be allowed to re-open from 15th October outside containment zones

However, Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. For Entertainment parks and similar places, the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

MHA issues new Guidelines for Re-opening
Press Release
https://t.co/uD2sW7QNZA

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) September 30, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown has hit the entertainment industry pretty badly with shootings suspended and cinema halls shut. However, now the shootings have started keeping the COVID-19 guidelines in place. Theatre owners, producers and exhibitors had been vying to get the cinema halls open. Now, with the government’s new SOPs they will be able to release films in theatres keeping coronavirus safety precautions in place.