SOPs for cultural events: Artistes, crew need Covid-negative certificate

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Oct 15, 2020, 20:13 IST

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NEW DELHI: The ministry of culture on Thursday issued detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for “Cultural Functions & Programs” on preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19.
The Standard Operating Procedures are to be followed by the management of theatres and host institutions as well as the entertainment or creative agencies, artistes, crew or any other person who hire an auditorium or any other open/closed space for cultural events, the ministry said adding that these guidelines shall come into effect immediately, and shall continue to be in effect until further orders.
Here are the guidelines issued by the ministry for “Cultural Functions & Programs”:

It is advisable for all external artistes and crew members, including those engaged in providing lighting, sound, make-up, costume etc. to present a valid COVID negative test result to relevant authorities at the host institution. The test should have been conducted within 7 days prior to the event. Management/creative agency may provide a mobile testing unit at the venue if feasible.
Digital no-contact transactions should be preferred to issue, verify, or pay for tickets, and contact details of all customers should be taken at the time of booking of tickets to facilitate contact-tracing.
No cultural activity should be allowed in containment zones.
It is advised to keep use of props to the minimal and avoid procurement of any new equipment than already designated in the premises.
Production houses must ensure that minimum crew visits the premises. It is advisable that trials and fittings related to costumes be done at the artist's residence. Nuances such as look test may be shared over video.
Wearing masks is mandatory and physical distancing of at least 6 feet is to be followed at all times.
Sanitization of venue before and after the event, availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises.
Adequate dustbins must be provided at key points, with specially marked dustbins for proper disposal of masks, gloves or other equipment, especially those used by cleaning staff.
Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one's mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline. Spitting shall be strictly prohibited.
Strictly no entry without a mask. Visitors, patrons and audience members must wear proper masks covering the nose and mouth at all times. Management should identify and check any visitors who flout this basic rule and in case of non-cooperation, they should ask the visitor /patron/audience member to leave the venue. Thermal screening of all visitors/staff must be carried out at all entry points. Only asymptomatic individuals shall be allowed to enter the premises
The temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30°C and relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%.While the offices of cultural institutions are in operation.