When the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce announced that theatres in Kerala would reopen on January 13th with 50% occupancy, we all went bonkers. What was even more exciting was that the first movie we would all get to see in a theatre, for almost a year now, would be Vijay and Malavika Mohanan’s Tamil movie ‘Master’. Great start to the year, I would say!
The Kerala government had recently announced that it will waive entertainment tax for all the theatres for three months, starting January, and provide a 50% reduction in the fixed charges on electricity so that theatres could build themselves after the massive slump of last year.
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While this is great news for theatre owners, as well as, audiences, we shouldn’t be ignorant of Coronavirus. We should adhere to strict guidelines, and ensure that social distancing norms are followed. It is advisable not to visit the theatres.
Having said that, if you decide to do so, here are some guidelines you can follow to stay safe.
- Wearing a mask is a given. But, ensure that you wear it properly. Cover your nose and mouth entirely, and do not touch the outer layer of the mask by any chance. If you’re likely to do so, sanitise your hands immediately. It’s very important for you to be conscious of your actions.
- No matter where you are in the theatre, maintain a distance of six feet. Even if strangers do not adhere to it, make it your responsibility to do it. If a person disallows it, you have all the right to voice it out.
- The larger the theatre, the better. Social distancing can be easily maintained. After all, the aim is to avoid crowded spaces.
- If you have the urge to eat or drink, avoid it. Because, that would mean, removing your mask and touching the food with your bare hands, which is inadvisable.
- Keep a sanitiser with you at all times. During the interval, head over to the washroom, and wash your hands for 20 seconds. Even when you enter and leave the theatre, make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly.
- The best trick to avoid the crowd is to visit the theatre during non-peak hours.
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The theatre authorities will ensure that seats are left empty beside you to keep people from different places away from each other. The theatres will be sanitised completely as per Government guidelines so you don’t have to worry about the sanitation of the place.
Kerala theatres will reopen soon so make sure that you prioritise your health first.
