The Ministry of Home Affairs has nodded on to reopen cinema halls, movie theatres, and gyms in the country from August 1, the news reports say. The new guidelines in the Unlock 3.0 will exercise reopen of such entertainment centers, keeping all security measures uptight.
As the country is seeing an upliftment of lockdown after more than 15 weeks, many key industries have come forward to be granted permissions of reopening. While schools and metros to remain shut, Cinema halls and gyms are to be reopened soon, reportedly starting next month.
The order came after many media and entertainment industry experts said that the ministry of information and broadcasting has written to MHA to consider reopening of these institutions. While the nation was in complete lockdown, the entertainment industry has suffered to be most of all.
According to an analysis, the movie industry in the country has suffered losses ranging up to Rs 1,000 crore. Many movies and other relevant video content suffered a “Drag” during the pandemic. And to overcome such conditions, this new decision may be a light of hope to many local businesses in India.
On the new regulations, Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Cinemas said, “We’re extremely hopeful of getting permissions starting August and hope to resume across states by the end of September”. His theatre chain has come up with various new options that would suffice the safety of its customers.
For instance, the PVR Cinemas will exercise a completely contactless transaction system. The system will need the customer to scan QR codes, which will be available at multiple touchpoints, through his phone camera. With this option, they can book their tickets or order food and beverages.
Some of the new rules and regulations for the cinema halls which will be followed in the Unlock 3.0:
- All entertainment institutions will only operate at 50% of their capacity.
- Physical body checks have also been done away with.
- Washroom taps have also been fitted with sensors.
- The practice of the cashless payment method is advised.
- Theatres will have alternate seats in the first row and then the next row to be kept vacant. And the order will be followed in this fashion.
- The theatre’s entrance is to be fitted with sensors, followed by temperature checks. Any customer failing to this test will be denied from the entry.
- The practice of social distancing is mandatory.
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Importantly, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) has passed this recommendation to the Union Home Ministry to allow such practices. While these regulations are to be followed, a final decision is yet to be taken by the current home secretary of India, Ajay Bhalla.