Vaccine norm, mandatory N-95 masks have theatres in a fix

‘Conflicting stand on vaccination by the Centre and the State adding to the confusion’

Though the State Government has lifted occupancy restrictions in theatres, the caveats imposed on visitors is creating confusion and affecting business, said theatre and multiplex owners. For instance, entry is permitted only to those wearing N-95 masks and having proof that they have taken both vaccine doses.

“In the over two years since the pandemic broke out, nowhere has the State Government mandated that N-95 masks are compulsory until now. Even top functionaries are not always seen wearing N-95 masks. Making them mandatory for entry into theatres will cause unnecessary confusion and hit business. Most of the people wear cloth masks. Should we send them back?” said K.V. Chandrashekhar, president, Karnataka Film Exhibitors’ Association.

A senior public health official said the rule was made over concerns that the third wave is not over yet. The transmissibility of the Omicron variant of the virus is high, and N-95 masks are an added protection given that people will be sitting in an air-conditioned environment theatre for over two hours. “It is a negotiation. If the industry wants no curbs on occupancy, it has to agree to some conditions,” the health official said.