Cinemas In Jakarta Can Be Opened, Children And The Elderly Are Not Allowed To Watch

Illustration (Photo: Alfred Derks from Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has allowed film screenings or cinemas to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The opening of the cinema will take place from 6 July until the last day of the Jakarta PSBB transition period on 16 July. After that, the status of the PSBB will be decided again based on the evaluation of the DKI Pemporv.

Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf), Cucu Ahmad Kurnia, said that cinema business actors had previously proposed an operation with the COVID-19 prevention protocol and it was finally approved by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government.

"The cinema has been allowed to open since yesterday. But currently they are coordinating the screening of the film. The issue when it starts operating is up to them. The important thing is that we have allowed it to open," said Cucu when contacted, Tuesday, July 7.

Cucu said, there are a number of general and specific protocols that must be implemented by business actors engaged in the entertainment sector.

General protocols include the use of personal protective equipment such as masks and faceshields for all employees, provision of hand washing facilities, conducting periodic disinfection, checking temperature for all parties, giving physical distancing warning signs, and preventing crowds.

Likewise with visitors. Visitors are asked to always wear masks, practice ethical culture of coughing and sneezing, avoid touching eyes, nose and face, and keep a minimum distance of 1 meter.

In addition, there are special protocols for the operation of cinemas. "Includes ticket reservations, management, employee management, theater rooms, food and beverages, and toilets," said Cucu.

Cucu suggested that ticket purchases be made online to avoid queues. It is also recommended that ticket payments be made on a cashless basis.

In the business management protocol, Cucu asks business actors not to serve visitors who are not wearing masks, provide temporary isolation space for visitors whose body temperature is above 37.3 degrees Celsius, and limit the safe distance between spectators.

"Employees use arm cover gloves which must be replaced at every film screening or audience change," he said.

Inside the theater room, management was asked to provide a sign to keep the distance between visitors. the distance between the seats is set to one seat alternation. The seats that are filled will be interspersed with 1 empty seat.

However, Cucu admitted that the Disparekraf was studying visitors of one family to be allowed to watch in adjacent seats.

"The management is prohibited from selling food and drinks in the theater room. It is only allowed to make deliveries ordered before entering the theater," said Cucu.

Then, children under 9 years of age and the elderly are prohibited from visiting and watching films in theaters. This is because they are people who are prone to contracting COVID-19.