Journalism of Courage
Movie theaters have not been in operation ever since the first lockdown was announced in India on March 25. In fact, many film and TV shoots were cancelled from March 19 onwards. However, after announcing Lockdown 4.0, the government has decided to open up the economy slowly. On Monday, the Multiplex Association of India, under the aegis of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, released a new set of mandates that cinema halls across the country will have to follow. (Photo: Facebook/CarnivalCinemas)
The norms include following the new social distancing rules and having minimal human contact. Cine-goers will also have to ensure that they are doing everything in their capacity to maintain strict hygiene levels. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
The guidelines state that the staff has to take care to disinfect all areas of the theater, including the box office counter, security area, lobby, the audi and restrooms. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
People will have to undergo infrared scanners to ensure they don't have fever. The audience will also have to wear masks at all times. They can also buy more PPE kits at the theater if they feel the need. According to the new regulations, the staff has to make sure that hand sanitizers are placed 'at strategic locations.' (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
Once it is business as usual, digital transactions will be encouraged at the ticket counter. Cine-goers will be required to stand in demarcated circles at all times within the premises. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
According to global cinema standards, families and couples will be seated together. However, one adjacent seat would be left empty. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
In luxury auditoriums, no seats would be left empty as the reclining seats already have enough gap between them. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
The staff will be required to deep clean the seats regularly. Apart from this, they will also have to deep clean all the frequently used locations in the theater on a daily basis. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
Digital purchase will be encouraged with respect to buying food items at the theater to ensure contact-less buy. The theaters will now only sell single-use disposable packaging for food and drinks. Premium theaters will serve using proper cutlery and crockery. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
Cinema staff will have to wear masks and gloves at all times during their working hours. They also will have to download the Aarogya Setu app on a mandatory basis. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
Sanitization and disinfectants that will be used to clean the theater and its surroundings will be purchased only from authenticated suppliers. People will be encouraged to use alternate urinals. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
The precautionary measures will be announced and promoted through various mediums inside the theater. As per the new rules, the staff will have to be swift and efficient in managing the crowd and detecting possible cases. The use of single-use 3D glasses will be promoted. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
All the aforementioned measures will have to be followed for the first two months following the opening of theaters. After two months, the situation will be reviewed and the decision will be taken accordingly. (Photo: Multiplex Association of India)
