Keypoints:
- On Monday, the state has issued an order permitting 100 per cent occupancy in cinema theatres in the state.
- Considering the Covid pandemic, the decision has created a debate across the state.
- TN becomes the first state to allow 100% seating.
On Monday, Tamil Nadu government allowed theatres to function with full capacity and the decision was taken ahead of the film named Master and Eeswaram around the Pongal festival.
As per a government order released on Monday, the statement read: “The seating capacity of Cinemas/theatres/Multiplexes shall be permitted to increase from existing 0% to 100% by following the Standard Operating Procedure issued already. Further, in order to create awareness among the spectators, the precautionary measures for Covid 19 shall also be screened during the show time.”
The move has however already garnered criticism from several quarters as theatres are closed and air-conditioned spaces, which could lead to the spread of the virus.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said, “I saw the GO issued by the revenue dept and we will take up the matter with them. We will look at the GoI guidelines, SOPs and challenges and bring it to their notice.”
The government had earlier permitted theatres to screen movies with 50 per cent occupancy. But since the Covid cases are coming down in the state, the government has decided to allow theatres with 100 percent capacity.
The government’s decision came days after actor Vijay’s meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and it was reported that the actor made a request to allow 100 per cent occupancy in the theatres. Vijay’s movie ‘Master’ is set for release during Pongal.
As on January 4, the total number of Covid-19 cases in Tamil Nadu stood at 821,550. While 801,414 people have been cured and discharged, 12,166 people have died due to Covid-19 in the state so far.
