Swimming pools for all, capacity raised in cinemas, theatres
New SOPs will take effect February 1
New Delhi, Jan. 27: The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Wednesday allowed cinema halls and theatres to operate with more people while swimming pools have been permitted for use by all in fresh Covid-19 reopening guidelines.
According to these new guidelines, to be effective for February 1, there shall be no restriction on interstate and intra-state movement of people and goods including those for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.
No separate permission/ approval/ e-permit will be required for such movements, the MHA said.
All activities have been permitted outside containment zones, except a few which will be subject to strict adherence of SOPs.
Social, religious, sports, entertainment, educational, cultural, religious gatherings have already been permitted up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity, with a ceiling of 200 people in closed spaces; and keeping of the size of the ground or space
◗ INDIA’S COUNT of cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is at over 10.68 million as the country recorded 12,689 new infections in the last 24 hours, the Union health ministry’s dashboard showed on Wednesday
in view, in open spaces.
“Now such gatherings will be allowed subject to SOP of the state and UT concerned. Cinema halls and theatres have already been permitted up to 50 per cent of seating capacity. Now they will be permitted to operate at higher seating capacity, for which a revised SOP will be issued by ministry of information and broadcasting in consultation with MHA,” the guidelines said.
Swimming pools have already been permitted for use of sports persons. Now these will be permitted for use of all, for which a revised SOP will be issued by ministry of youth affairs and sports in consultation with MHA.