Beijing reopens cinemas amid epidemic

There is good news for move fans in Beijing -- cinemas and film studios are allowed resume operation under certain preconditions.

Movie theaters must obtain permission from relevant departments and report to the Beijing Film Bureau before resuming work, according to a guideline on work resumption of the entertainment industry issued by the bureau on Thursday. They must also draft an epidemic prevention and control plan at work, it added.

The notice said cinemas are required to sell non-adjacent tickets in every other row in the early stage of reopening to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. The audience should have their information registered at the ticket office beforehand.

Lavatories should be equipped with hand sanitizers or disinfectants. Disinfection should be conducted after each screening and at least eight times a day in public areas, according to the guideline.

Film studios are allowed to resume filming in Beijing if the number of cast and crew members is less than 50 and have no suspicious symptoms of the novel coronavirus. All should wear masks except while shooting.