Covid Pandemic: Cinema Halls Reopen After Months In Odisha; Here's All You Need To Know

Bhubaneswar: Cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes reopened in Odisha on Friday after a gap of over nine months due to closure in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

As per the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the State government halls are allowed to intake with 50 per cent seating capacity.

Several cinema theatres in Bhubaneswar, including Cinepolis at Esplanade One Mall, Keshari Theatre, Maharaja, INOX at DN Regalia Mall and Symphony Mall have scheduled to screen shows from today.

Similarly, Sangam Cineplex in Cuttack opened for movie watchers from today.

"The protocols issued by the government which include maintaining social distancing, 50 percent seat allocation, sanitisation etc are being strictly followed. Fogging with chemicals approved by the WHO will be done after every screening. Adequate safety measures are being taken by the authorities so that audience can have a safe, hygienic and reliable experience," said Amitav Guha Thakurta, Regional Director at INOX (East).

Of the four INOX cinemas in Odisha, two of them at Symphony Mall and DN Rengalia Mall in Bhubaneswar will open today while the SGBL Square Mall in Cuttack and Bhawani Mall in the capital city will reopen on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, added Thakurta.

As per the guidelines, use of facemask, hand sanitisation and thermal screening are mandatory for all prior to entry. People with Covid- 19 symptoms will not be allowed inside the halls. The seat between two persons will not be allowed for occupancy.

No food from outside are being allowed and some halls have also added immunity booster food in their menu. Staggered entry is being ensured to avoid gathering outside hall to prevent moviegoers from catching the virus.

While the prices of tickets have mostly remained the same, online booking and payment in digital mode are being encouraged by the halls, added reports.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)