Theatres in Karnataka hit as 50% seating rule stays till Feb 28 | Bengaluru News – Times of India

BENGALURU: In a blow to the cinema industry and theatres, the Karnataka government on Tuesday decided to practise abundant caution with regard to Covid-19 by persisting with only 50% seating capacity in cinema halls across the state till Feb 28.
The Centre gave the green signal for full-capacity seating in cinema halls from February 1. The state government order allows hotels and restaurants to operate at full seating and allows swimming pools to operate as per central government guidelines.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president DR Jairaj, also an exhibitor, called the government’s decision ‘shocking’ and said the industry would meet the CM on Wednesday and seek review of the decision.
The state said curbing cinema hall seating is based on the possibility of a second wave and follows a review of the current pandemic situation. In its order, the government amended certain other regulations for congregation based on the Union ministry of home affairs guidelines that as many as 376 people can assemble in a space of 1,000 square metres or 158 in 500sqm for any event —be it a wedding, birthday celebrations, death ceremony, cremation or burial.
The government allowed firms to operate with full capacity wherever work from home (WFH) options are not feasible. However, adequate Covid-19 precautions have to be taken including social distancing and face masks.