NEW DELHI: As part of new guidelines issued for COVID-19 containment, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, on Wednesday, January 27, permitted cinema halls and theatres to function with more than 50 per cent of their capacity. An improved standard operating procedure (SOP) will be circulated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for the same, the health ministry said.
The government also permitted the opening of swimming pools and exhibitions. Although, on the issue of religious and political gatherings, the Centre has left the decision on the states concerned. The renewed guidelines will be effective from February 1 to February 28.
Affirming that all activities permitted outside containment zone shall strictly follow the SOPs issued by the Centre, the guidelines specified that cinema halls and theatres have been allowed up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity. Now they will be allowed to function at a higher seating capacity.
The health ministry also stated that international flights may be further relaxed. The guidelines stated that for further opening of international air travel of commuters, the Ministry of Civil Aviation may take a decision in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs derived on the evaluation of the situation.