All cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes will reopen from October 15 under the newly-announced guidelines of 'Unlock 5', confirmed Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday. During a media brief, Javadekar announced that all COVID-19 guidelines and standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by the I&B Ministry must be followed at all cinema halls and theatres.

Here is the list of SOPs for cinema halls:

* Only 50 per cent seating will be allowed of the total capacity of cinema halls
* Alternate seats will be left vacant for social distancing
* Empty seats will be marked with 'Not to be occupied' stickers
* Face masks will be mandatory inside cinema halls
* Installing of hand sanitisers will be made mandatory
* Single screen theatres will have more ticket counters to avoid crowding
* Online ticket booking will be encouraged
* Packed food will be sold inside cinema halls
* Cross ventilation and proper air circulation will be maintained by hall owners
* Thermal screening will be done before entering cinema halls
* Hall authorities will be advised staggered time table between two shows
* Staggered timings will enable sanitising of halls before every show and avoid crowding in corridors/galleries
* An awareness video/audio on COVID-19 will be played before the start of a show, before and after intermission.

All cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes will reopen from October 15 under the newly-announced guidelines of 'Unlock 5', confirmed Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday. During a media brief, Javadekar announced that all COVID-19 guidelines and standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by the I&B Ministry must be followed at all cinema halls and theatres.

Here is the list of SOPs for cinema halls:

* Only 50 per cent seating will be allowed of the total capacity of cinema halls
* Alternate seats will be left vacant for social distancing
* Empty seats will be marked with 'Not to be occupied' stickers
* Face masks will be mandatory inside cinema halls
* Installing of hand sanitisers will be made mandatory
* Single screen theatres will have more ticket counters to avoid crowding
* Online ticket booking will be encouraged
* Packed food will be sold inside cinema halls
* Cross ventilation and proper air circulation will be maintained by hall owners
* Thermal screening will be done before entering cinema halls
* Hall authorities will be advised staggered time table between two shows
* Staggered timings will enable sanitising of halls before every show and avoid crowding in corridors/galleries
* An awareness video/audio on COVID-19 will be played before the start of a show, before and after intermission.