Gujarat has become one of the first few states to allow cinemas to function at full capacity. The I & B ministry of the government of Gujarat today (February 4) issued a directive permitting cinemas in the state to operate at 100% capacity. It may be recalled that the central ministry of home affairs had on 31st January allowed cinemas to work at full capacity subject to the state governments similarly permitting cinemas in their respective states.
Cinemas had first been granted permission to reopen from 15th October after the coronavirus pandemic lockdown but with 50% occupancy only, in view of the social distancing norms. However, due to the declining cases of coronavirus, the Centre allowed cinemas to operate at cent per cent capacity from 1st February. Gujarat government has just issued the directive, making it possible for cinemas in the state to operate with house full capacity. Of course, all social distancing protocols will have to be followed by the cinemas even though 100% seats are allowed to be filled up.