MHA allows cinema halls to open in India with 50 per cent capacity

The ministry of home affairs, on September 30, announced the next set of guidelines under the Unlock 5.0 initiatives, following which some more restrictions will be allowed in India. These will be in effect from October 1, 2020. However, the respective state governments will decide on resuming these activities in their respective districts, keeping the coronavirus cases and the spread in mind. 

Following activities will be allowed in some parts of India from October:

1. Cinemas, theatres, multiplexes can resume operations with 50 per cent capacity and will be allowed to function as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. This will be in effect from October 15, 2020.

2. Swimming pools which are used for training the sportspersons will be allowed to resume operations, based on the guidelines issued by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

3. Entertainment parks and related activities/venues can reopen following the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

4. The Department of Commerce to issue guidelines for B2B exhibitions. These need to be conducted only after the norms are agreed and released.

5. Decision to reopen schools and coaching institutions can be taken by the respective state governments and can reopen after October 15. This will have to be conducted in a phase-wise manner, after consulting with the school authorities and the respective managements. However, the following guidelines will have to be followed strictly.

• Online and distance learning to be encouraged as the mode of teaching
• Schools conducting online classes should not encourage students to attend schools physically
• Parents to issue written consent if students attend schools. Attendance to only depend on the same and cannot be enforced
• Respective state governments to plan their own SOPs, health and safety precautions.
• Schools which reopen will have to strictly follow the guidelines and SOPs.

However, the Government of Maharashtra has extended the lockdown until October 31 and will be applicable across the state. Cinema halls and some recreational activities are strictly prohibited in this phase of unlock; however, bars, eateries and restaurants can reopen with 50 per cent capacity. Schools and educational institutions will remain closed.