CHENNAI: Cinemagoers will have to wait longer for shows to resume post interval when theatres open on November 10. The government on Tuesday released standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cinema halls that say the managements have to encourage use of online tickets, e-wallets and QR codes to sell tickets and food and beverages at counters.
The SOPs mandate the use of masks throughout the show. Cinemagoers can eat only packed food and snacks will not be served at the seats during interval. The government has released new seating layout in which members
of the audience will sit one seat away from one another. Empty seats should be marked with tapes or fluorescent markers.
Theatre staff and visitors will have download Aarogya Setu and the management must alert health officials about visitors who have cough and fever. Such people should be quarantined in a separate room, the SOPs said.
There should be adequate time between each show to let visitors exit and enter without crowding, and social distancing has to be maintained on the premises. In multiplexes, show time and intermission of screens should different to prevent crowding at the lobby. Also, the duration of intermission should be increased such that washrooms are not crowded.
Halls have to be disinfected after every show and those engaged in cleaning must wear safety gear. The entire theatre complex, particularly doors and staircases, have to be disinfected, the government said. The shows have to begin with announcements on the importance of using masks and other measures to contain the spread of Covid-19. During intervals the theatres will have to screen such messages.