The Centre on
Wednesday issued new COVID-19 guidelines, allowing cinema halls and multiplexes to operate at
higher capacity while also allowing swimming pools for public use and further opening
up international air travel for passengers.

“The main
focus of the Guidelines is to consolidate the substantial gains that have been
achieved against the spread of COVID-19 which is visible in the steady decline
in number of active and new cases in the country over the last four months,” the
Ministry of Home Affairs said in a release.

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In
consultation with the respective ministries, states and union territories, the
MHA will formulate new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in relation to a
number of activities that were restricted to keep the spread of COVID-19 in
check.

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“Cinema
halls and theatres have already been permitted upto 50% of seating capacity.
Now they will be permitted to operate at higher seating capacity, for which a
revised SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in
consultation with MHA.”

“Swimming pools have already been permitted for use of
sports persons. Now swimming pools will be permitted for use of all,” the MHA
release said. 

The new guidelines will be enforced from February 1 to 28.