Cinema Health Protocols

The euphoria of moviegoers, mall operators, and the film business is obvious now that cinemas and movie theaters in the National Capital Region (NCR) are authorized to reopen under Alert Level 3; yet, this excitement is tempered by real anxiety.

Following a year and seven months of closure, the movie theater business is determined to provide customers with a safe and secure moviegoing experience despite the continued danger of COVID-19.

Guests will soon be able to see blockbusters on the big screen again, but each mall will have its own set of limits and safety procedures. Only fully vaccinated people will be admitted, and all theaters will be limited to at least 30% capacity, according to IATF health requirements.

There are certain basic guidelines to follow.

Along with the IATF’s rules, the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP) has developed a standard set of protocols called “Sa Sine Safe Ka,” which is modeled after the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) “CinemaSafe” measures, which epidemiologists have endorsed as “a comprehensive effort to identify potential risks and reduce them.”

Malls around the country have adopted the following standard protocols:

• Before entering the theater, moviegoers must verify their body temperature.
• A valid vaccination card showing the completion of two vaccine doses is required for moviegoers.
• The IATF’s current decision on face shields and face masks must be followed by both moviegoers and personnel.
• There is no food allowed inside the cinema.
• Even for moviegoers who are coming together, theaters will use “socially-distracted seating” (two seats apart)
• During ticket purchase, contactless and cashless transactions will be encouraged.
• Increased air circulation
• Hand sanitizers are available at every movie entrance.
• Cinema personnel must wash their hands every 30 minutes.
• Between screenings, deep cleaning of surfaces and chairs is required.

Individuals who are ill should avoid going to the movies and instead stay at home, according to the CEAP, out of regard for fellow moviegoers.

Other malls, such as Power Plant Mall and Santolan Town Plaza, may have their own set of guidelines in addition to the “Sa Sine Safe Ka” standards, such as requiring passengers to fill out a health declaration form prior to purchasing tickets. The staff will also use UV light and misting devices to sanitize the cinemas for an hour after each screening.

The following is a list of cinemas that will be opening in Metro Manila in November:

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is opening cinemas in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Iloilo, where you can view future films on “crystal-clear huge screens, sharp surround sound, and soft reclining seats.” Eastwood Cinemas, Lucky Chinatown Cinemas, Newport Cinemas, Uptown Cinemas, and Venice Cineplex are located in Metro Manila, whereas Southwoods Cinemas in Binan City, Laguna, and Festive Walk Cinemas in Iloilo City are located in the provinces of Laguna and Iloilo.

Rockwell Cinemas

As Power Plant Mall and Santolan Town Plaza in Rockwell Center reopen, moviegoers can expect to see thrilling titles like “Dune,” “Eternals,” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” on the big screen. According to The Rockwellist, “seating will be at 40% capacity, with a 1.2-meter lateral distance between customers and a 2.2-meter gap between those in front and back.”

A one-hour disinfection will be performed every after screening through UV light and misting machines to ensure the health and safety of customers.

Vista Mall

Vista Mall will also open on Nov. 10 and will soon announce its blockbuster movie lineup. Evia Lifestyle Center in Las Pias and Vista Mall Taguig are two of its Metro Manila locations.

Gateway and Ali Mall Cineplex

Gateway and Ali Mall Cineplex offer a worry-free moviegoing experience. UV Care has already been installed in their theaters to ensure the safety of their patrons. The films “Dune” and “Eternals” are among their future releases.

Final Thoughts

We know you’re all looking forward to seeing it on the big screen as much as we are. However, we must exercise caution by cooperating with the local governments in which our cinemas are located.

This is to guarantee that we follow their specific instructions. We’re also working with other parties to coordinate material for the theaters.”

However, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) claims that theatres will only allow properly vaccinated individuals at a limited capacity to safeguard the safety of moviegoers (30 percent for Alert Level 3, and 50 percent for Alert Level 2). Body temperature checks, immunization cards, face masks, and socially separated seating plans will be necessary as well.

It will also be prohibited to eat inside the theatres.