Cinema halls to function with more than 50 percent capacity from Feb 1
The Union Home Ministry on Wednesday gave permission to run cinema halls and theaters with greater capacity under the new guidelines related to Covid-19, while also approving the opening of swimming pools for all. This new guideline will come into effect from 1 February. Accordingly, there will be no restriction on movement within states or from one state to another. There will be no need to get any permission for this.
All activities except some outside the Containment Zone are permitted and standard operating procedures (SOPs) must also be followed. Social, religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural, religious gathering has already been allowed to open in the hall with a maximum capacity of 50 percent. Up to 200 people will be allowed in closed places.
“Such mobilization will be allowed as per the SOP of the respective states and union territories,” the guidelines said. Cinema halls and theaters were allowed to open with a maximum of 50 percent capacity. Now they will be able to work with more capacity. For this, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will issue a revised SOP in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The swimming pool was already allowed for players. Now permission has been given to open it for all. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will, in consultation with the Union Home Ministry, issue a revised standard operating procedure. Permission for business exhibition has already been given. All types of exhibitions will now be allowed. For this, Department of Commerce will issue SOP in consultation with Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the instructions of the Center, social and religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural events will be allowed according to the SOPs of the states and UTs. A standard operating procedure will be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding swimming pools. Apart from this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will take a decision in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs for international flights.
Updated SOPs will be issued from time to time regarding the movement of passenger trains, air travel, metro rail, schools, higher educational institutions, hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, multiplexes, entertainment parks, yoga centers and gyms etc. It will be the responsibility of the administration to strictly follow these SOPs.
There will be no prohibition on movement within the state and from one state to another. Along with this, the Center has been directed to take necessary precautions to people above 65 years of age, people suffering from other diseases, pregnant women, children below 10 years of age.
According to the guidelines of the Ministry, the containment zone will continue to be carefully demarcated. Along with this, it will be necessary to strictly follow the prescribed preventive measures within these zones. Covid-19 appropriate behavior will be promoted and strictly enforced.
