Cinemas in Saudi Arabia permitted to reopen with new safety measures

The curtains of KSA’s cinema network are ready to rise once again…

From Sunday, June 21, 2020, the country’s cinemas will be allowed to reopen again, following a shut down as part of the government’s comprehensive pandemic safety protocols.

These reopenings come with new enhanced measures to ensure the safety of both cinema-goers and staff.

The news came directly from the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM).

Safety first

New measures for the pandemic era include the requirement that:

All employees must wear masks and their temperatures will be checked daily.

It is essential that visitors also wear a mask or face covering.Temperature checks will also be conducted.

Cinemas have been instructed to install thermal screening cameras at all entry points.

Customer with elevated temperatures or exhibiting respiratory symptoms will be prevented from entering the cinema.

Those suspected of coronavirus infection will have their information and contact details collected and reported immediately to the health authorities.

A minimum social distance of 1.5 to 2 meters must be kept in waiting areas, entrances, ticket stalls, food and beverage selling outlets, and bathrooms.

Seating in the screens must also reflect social distance requirements, leaving two seats empty between every two individuals.

However, members of a family can sit next to each other.

Capacity is restricted to 50 per cent.

Entry and exit points will be separated and clearly marked.

Sanitisers must be easily accessible and made available at entry points, and must contain 60-80 percent alcohol.

Periodical deep cleans must be carried out throughout the day.

If any cinema employee tests positive for COVID-19, the cinema will be shut down and suspend all operations until complete disinfection processes are carried out and the theatres are properly ventilated. Other employees will be tested and isolated.

Images: Unsplash

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