COVID-19 Task Force: Strict Procedures Pivotal to Cinemas Reopening

A mobile cinema provided by Ministry of Education and Culture. Photo by: Ministry of Education and Culture.

Strict procedures are imperative for economic activities reopening, including cinemas reopening, spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force Wiku Adisasmito has said.

“The reopening must involve precondition stage, timing, priority setting, coordination between Central and Regional governments, as well as monitoring and evaluation,” Wiku said during a press conference at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (27/8).

In the precondition stage, he added, an assessment of risk of transmission and risk of increasing cases should be carried out. “In the precondition stage we must review the readiness of health facilities and other supporting facilities,” Wiku added.

Wiku went on to say that the capacity of cinemas will be limited to 50%. Only those between 12 and 60 years old, and without comorbidity, are allowed to go to cinemas.

Cinemas, Wiku added, must sell the ticket in online platforms, impose the policy for wearing face masks, washing hands and maintaining safe distance, provide infrared thermometer, separate exit and entrance, provide hand washing facilities and toilets, and provide personal protective equipment for employees.

He further said that cinemas employees and visitors must use face masks equivalent to surgical masks, medical masks or higher quality face masks, and arcade game facilities in cinemas must be closed.

Wiku stated that cinemas building must be equipped with good ventilation and air management system, filtration with HEPA/MERV-13 technology, and portable air purifiers.

The cinema reopening, he added, is under consideration of Jakarta Regional Government. The consideration is based on health aspects as well as socio-economic aspects. (Communication Team of COVID-19 Task Force and National Economic Recovery/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana