Abu Dhabi issues guidelines for reopening cinemas

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have outlined a list of precautionary measures for reopening cinemas inside shopping malls.

The capacity of each theatre must be limited to 30 per cent, while social distancing norms have to be followed both inside and outside cinema halls.

Adjacent seats can only be used by members of the same family and at least 20 minutes have to be set aside between shows to ensure that all the used seats are sanitised before the next screening.

No tickets or pamphlets are to be issued and touch screens must also be removed.

The guidelines have been issued by Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development, which has made it mandatory for everyone to wear a mask, while staff members are required to undergo COVID-19 tests before resuming work.

In coordination with Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Committee for the Covid-19 Pandemic, @AbuDhabiDED issues precautionary measures for resumption of operations for cinemas inside shopping malls across #AbuDhabi. pic.twitter.com/Mfyew73qrS

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 17, 2020

These measures include: cinema halls should not exceed 30% of their capacity, applying physical distancing between visitors inside and outside cinema halls, wearing masks, and conducting COVID-19 tests for all staff members prior to resuming activity.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 17, 2020