Some letters for Oct 18

QUESTION

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Though the state has been witnessing a decline in Covid cases, experts say the threat still looms large and precautions are necessary. However, the Centre has allowed cinema halls to reopen from October 15 with 50 per cent capacity. Do you think it’s the right decision and in the best public interest?

Amritsar

Mandates have to be followed at all costs

Finally, there is some good news for the cinema-goers after almost eight months of the lockdown. The cinema hall operators here are currently engaged in preparations to ensure all protocols are maintained as they get ready to welcome patrons after a long period of time. Bollywood, which is the economical capital of India, mainly depend upon film industry and suffered during the nationwide lockdown. Film producers moved to OTT platform for their loss. But this will not cover their losses. Now government is going to open it while the virus is picking up pace. Festive season is ahead and there is more risk as rush is increasing in markets. It is necessary to take extra precautions during the upcoming festive season amid the pandemic. The generic measures include public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of transmission. There should be adequate physical distancing of at least 6ft to be followed outside the auditoriums, common areas and waiting areas at all times. The thermal screening will have to be carried out before allowing entry into the halls and only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed. It should be compulsory to show a minute-long film or announcement before each show and before and after the interval to spread awareness among people. Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times because it is only medicine till vaccination come. Amarjit Kalsi

Great news for cinema-goers!

The cinemas, theatres and multiplexes are all set to open from October 15 and fans are overjoyed. Cinema-goers had been waiting for reopening for many months now. As per the new Unlock 5 guidelines, cinemas and multiplexes have been allowed to reopen with 50 per cent seating capacity. Physical distancing is mandatory. For seating, every alternate seat will have to be kept vacant and clearly marked. Cinema-goers have been advised to avoid moving during intermission and as per the guidelines no delivery of food and beverages will be allowed inside the auditorium. During the film, it would be mandatory for the people to wear masks. After the end of the show, the entire hall would be sanitised, before the start of second show. Since the process is going to be time taking, only three-four shows could be shown in a day. Saahil Hans

‘Decision taken in favour of economy’

Although the cases are depreciating, the experts say that still we are not out of danger. The employees working in cinemas or theatres must be worried about their economy. It can’t be thought of the best decision but a decision that is in favour of economic recovery after about four months. I contemplate that no country would compromise with their economy. And this is the one of the steps for recovery of economy. I think recovering period after the lockdown should be the first thing to ponder. Hence, everything should be opened but the big halls must be opened with 50% seating capacity that too with precautionary measures. Izleen

Right decision off the bat

With the scientific advancements, we are finding new equipments and gadgets to bring more and more comforts in our daily life. But practically it is a race between human being and nature. As we find solution for one problem, the next problem crops up. In case of health sector in the last more than 100 years, many deadly diseases came up but after great research when we controlled it the next disease showed its face. Recently, we were fighting cancer in this series but now as it is curable, hence the incurable coronavirus came up. If we wait for invention of vaccine for it than our already ailing economy will completely collapse coming to a grinding halt. So, the only solution is to open up all the sectors of the economy but with strict preventive measures like mask wearing and observing physical distancing norms. Our film industry is on the top of world in regard to number of films produced per year, thus, contributing a great share in form of employment and revenue generating. Its share in giving relief to the stressful human life is also significant. So, government’s decision to open up cinema halls with preventive measures is a step in the right direction. Prevention is better than cure, but prevention is the only cure for the virus. Harsh N Johar

Spot on! Many will benefit from this

The decision to reopen cinema halls with limited capacity is correct as this industry employs many people. A person going to the cinema hall to watch a movie will benefit the filmmaker, actor, popcorn vendor and so many more. It will ultimately help the slowing economy of the country. Strict enforcement of guidelines will help to achieve the twin objectives of faster growth and public safety. Jatinderpal Singh

REOPENING WITH NEW NORMS JUSTIFIED

Reopening of cinema halls with all precautions and protocols is as justified as reopening any other thing in this unprecedented hard times. Proper cleaning of halls, use of body temperature detectors, grilling health check-ups of the staff and wearing masks while watching movies must be mandatory. Booking tickets and snacks online to avoid human contact would help too. Scores of people from diverse backgrounds depend on the Indian film industry for their livelihoods. The shutdown since March has cost the film industry beyond imagination. People would be sceptical about the preventive measures and it would be a challenge for the cinema owners to bring them back to the 70mm screen. Our film industry is the biggest in the world in terms of making maximum movies in a year but it is in a deep crisis now. Reopening of cinema halls by adhering to the stringent dos and don’ts would eventually help one and all. Anil Sharma

Foolproof safety measures are a must

The Union Home Ministry has allowed cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to function at 50% capacity. The decision has been welcomed with open arms by the cinema owners who have been clamouring for long to be allowed to ply their trade as the closure of the cinemas for about seven months has had a devastating impact on their source of income. The decision has given some respite to the theatre owners and exhibitors who promise to operate by fully abiding by the guidelines issued by the Central government. The lockdown miserably failed to wipe out the virus and was never going to kill it. Admittedly, we have to live with it. So, it is the right decision to stay open. People needed to be amused and entertained to escape from stresses, anxieties and strains of mundane life. It is a well thought out gamble which has the tendency to boomerang as well. Moreover, cinemas have been reopened in European countries too inspite of the virus cases being still prevalent there. China’s ability to reopen its theatres and be at the top box office earner has emboldened the government to make the decision. It is a sort of push forward to reopening the economy as in a few more months the country may return to some semblance of normalcy. Since the decision has been taken to make the cinemas recover from the dire economic and financial impact of the pandemic, the theatres will have to convey a sense of safety and cleanliness to the cinema-goers. They should be committed to ensure a safe, secure and hygienic experience to their patrons. Cinemas and theatres will have to ensure foolproof physical distancing, provisions for sanitisers and hand washing, thermal screening and entry only of asymptomatic individuals in the halls. They will have to adhere to staggered show timings so as to prevent large gatherings outside the auditoriums before a film begins. This will assure the consumers to venture back to movie theatres, especially when new movies are being released or shown. All said and done, there are some lurking fears. Movie going poses a risk because the virus is said to spread more easily indoors. Movie theatres are not that high on the list of essentials, yet have been reopened. Resurgence of virus cannot be ruled out absolutely. Tarsem S Bumrah

Jalandhar

Cinemas can provide balm for forlorn souls

With declining number of cases and flattening of the curve, the Centre has allowed opening of cinema halls with 50 per cent capacity. There is no doubt that because of the prolonged lockdown and being incarcerated, people are suffering from fatigue. It is also true that of all the businesses cinemas were among the worst hit. Opening would be beneficial both for the cinemas as well as the people. TV may be good for home entertainment but it can’t replace the experience of a big screen. But, some precautions are very essential because there’s no surety that covid-19 will not spike again – it is happening in many countries which have again taken to the lockdown. With capacity limiting to 50 per cent it is also necessary to sanitise cinema halls before and after every show. Preference should be given to online ticketing instead of physically getting tickets. The audience should be instructed to wear masks and also keep physical distancing during the interval. Even parking places should be made to observe same protocols. Opening of the halls will have a salutary effect on the psyche because many of them were/are suffering from depression and anxiety. Dr JS Wadhwa

‘Isn’t it better to do your thing at home?’

Buoyed up by the dramatic downswing in the number of positive cases, the Centre has allowed reopening of cinema halls, theatres and multiplexes with 50 per cent capacity across the country. Since there is no room for complacency, the decision has elicited a mixed response. Whereas the movieholics are elated over the prospect of watching a film on the big screen, medical experts have expressed serious concerns over the safety. They apprehend that the transmission may intensify during the upcoming festival season and winter months along with dengue and other influenza viruses. Despite assurances from the cinema owners to strictly implement the mandatory health and hygiene protocols including wearing of masks, socially distanced limited seating, frequent sanitising theatre facilities between screenings, temperature checks at the doors and upgrading ventilation systems, it is difficult to enforce these precautionary guidelines meticulously. Sitting in an enclosed space with strangers and eating and drinking for two to three hours involves an inherently high risk. In the midst of an uncertain pandemic situation, any laxity in adherence to safety measures may prove fatal. Prudence demands that we should ponder the following questions before deciding our priorities. Isn’t there lot more to consider than what film to see and what to eat in the hall? Are movie theatres exactly an essential business? Will theatre operators act responsibly? Isn’t it better to cuddle up at home and enjoy our choicest movies on TV and Netflix? Physical well-being is decidedly more important than recreation. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid non-essential locales such as hotels, restaurants, gyms, parlours, shopping malls, multiplexes and religious places to contain the scourge of covid-19. Over to the Indian populace in their best interests! DS Kang

Decision welcomed, no time for laxity

It is heartening that the state’s Covid curve in most of the parameters have started falling. But still there is no reason for being complacent and the situation needs to be closely watched to prevent resurfacing in near future. However, the proposed move of the state government in allowing reopening of cinema halls with half of capacity is welcomed, more because of the fact that we have to adopt certain strategy of co-existing with the virus which is going to stay for an indefinite period of time as per the opinion of some experts on the subject. The said strategy aims to keep the public sensitised about the impending risks coupled with basic precautions to be taken while leading a normal social life .The festival season is knocking at our doors and the people need to learn celebrating the occasions while remaining fully awakened to their responsibilities towards their own health as well as others. Jagdish Chander

‘Life has to be lived normally’

As the wave of Covid is receding in India and government allowing cinema halls to reopen with 50 per cent capacity, however, it will take a while for people to feel safe in an enclosed place. Bollywood is the biggest revenue generating industry and is suffering great because of the virus’ impact, so it’s a welcome decision to reopen the cinema halls but adequate physical distance is mandatory, meaning every alternate seat needs to be kept vacant. Instead of counter ticket, advance booking should be allowed to avoid crowding and delivery of food should not be allowed inside and people should be allowed after checking the temperature. It is the need of the hour. For how long the pandemic will stay, nobody knows, so life has to be lived normally but by taking all precautions as wearing masks, maintaing social distance and frequent sanitisation. Shashi Kiran