As we get closer to being vaccinated from Covid-19, the world is in the slow and continuous process of opening up. One of the things that we have wholeheartedly missed during the lockdown is grabbing a big bucket of some lip-smacking popcorn, our favourite cold drink and enjoying a movie on the big screen. To all those movie buffs out there, the wait is over as the government has decided to open up movie theatres once again! 

SO WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES?

The government has issued a statement that allows  cinema halls to reopen as long as several Covid-19 safety measures are put in place. Cinema halls will be permitted up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity. What does this mean? It means that if your favourite theatre can hold 300 people in one theatre, now only 150 people can watch a movie at one time. Other than that, customers will have to be socially distanced. That’s good news for those who don’t like people talking to them during movie screenings! 

Movie theatres also need to be cleaned before and after every screening. The seats, railing and other areas accessed by you are to be sanitized at all times. Staff members are also required to wear proper protective kits while cleaning and attending to the customers. Some movie theatres have even gone the extra mile to use state-of-the-art gear such as Electrostatic ULV spray guns to sanitise the halls. 

ANY CONS?

However, there can’t always be only good news. It appears that cinema halls are not allowed to let their customers eat snacks inside the cinema halls. That means, while you can still dip into a bucket of your favourite cheese and caramel popcorn, you will have to do it in the theatre’s waiting lounge before the movie begins. Now, where’s the fun in that? 

Even though these rules might not sound fun, it is important to remember it is for everyone’s safety. The good news is that it’s all temporary and with the right safety measures, we will be able to  go back to the comfort of sliding back on seats and munching on snacks while watching the latest cinematic blockbuster!