One Seat Apart, Fully Vaccinated Only as Cinemas Reopen in Metro Manila

The one seat apart rule will be observed in movie houses, among other restrictions, as cinemas in Metro Manila reopen for the first time after 19 months under the less strict Alert Level 3 that starts on Oct. 16, officials said.

Movie houses can operate at a maximum of 30% capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only based on guidelines issued by the inter-agency task force for COVID-19 response.

Cinemas need to have proper ventilation and have an air purifier system too, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"So 30% seating capacity at wala po 'yan na magkakatabi," Roque told reporters.

READ: Cinemas are Back Under Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila

In the proposed reopening guidelines of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, moviegoers are also prohibited from eating and are required to wear their face masks at all times for the duration of the film.

Workers in cinemas will be required to observe minimum health standards too and to regularly disinfect movie houses.

Cinemas have been shut for the majority of the pandemic as recurring lockdowns limited business operations to those offering basic goods and services.

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