Cinema halls allowed to operate at 100% capacity from Feb 1

New Delhi, Jan 31 : After almost 10 months of complete ban on opening of cinema halls amid Covid-19 pandemic, the central government on Sunday allowed these to be operated at 100% capacity from February 1, except in containment zones, while adhering to health safety protocols.
It however directed for staggered show timings for multiple screens to avoid crowding.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar made the announcement earlier in the day while releasing a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19 for cinema halls and theatres.
As per the new SOPs, Javadekar, however, said that sanitisation and Covid protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theatres.
The Minister added that the restrictions put in place due to Covid are on the verge of ending.
“Good news for cinema lovers. Today, issued the revised SOP for the film exhibition, 100% occupancy will be allowed in theatres from February 1, but all Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHF) Covid-19 guidelines will have to be followed,” Javadekar said.