Cinemas nationwide to reopen for the fully vaccinated

Cinemas nationwide will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity for fully vaccinated customers, the government said today in announcing a further easing of restrictions in the creative industry for states still under Phase One of the National Recovery Plan.

Indoor busking, performances and art galleries will also be allowed subject to certain conditions, as well as in-studio and outdoors filming.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the agreement to ease restrictions was contingent on the SOPs set by the National Security Council including its application only to those who have been fully vaccinated, and subject to limits depending on the capacity of premises.

“This flexibility is also given based on the fact that some states have fully vaccinated 80% of their adult population or achieved the level of herd immunity,” he said in a statement.

The full list of activities allowed is as follows:

1. The development and broadcasting of creative content, live or recorded;

2. Broadcasts whether live or through recording to present information and entertainment with the presence of fully vaccinated viewers limited to 30% of studio capacity;

3. Indoor and outdoor filming;

4. Indoor busking;

5. Performances at hotel lounges;

6. Cinema activities;

7. Live performances on a pre-registered basis including art theatres, musicals and comedies limited to 30% of premise capacity; and

8. Art galleries at halls, museums and galleries by appointment limited to 30% of premise capacity.