<p>Under pressure from the film industry, the Basavaraj Bommai administration decided Friday to allow 100 per cent seating in theatres and multiplexes. </p>.<p>Likewise, the government allowed 100 per cent occupancy in gyms, yoga centres, and swimming pools. </p>.<p>The decision will come into effect from Saturday. </p>.<p>Until now, these establishments were required to function at 50 per cent capacity. </p>.<p>The decision was taken at a meeting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai chaired with officials and the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). </p>.<p>“Starting Saturday, 100 per cent occupancy will be allowed in theatres, yoga centres, gyms and swimming pools,” Health Minister K Sudhakar told reporters. However, consumption of food and beverages inside the movie hall is prohibited. “People can eat outside during intervals,” Sudhakar said. </p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/districts-with-less-than-5-covid-positivity-rate-can-move-towards-reopening-schools-centre-1077795.html" target="_blank">Districts with less than 5% Covid positivity rate can move towards reopening schools: Centre</a></strong></p>.<p>“We also require people visiting theatres, gyms and other places to be doubly vaccinated. We want this to be followed strictly,” the minister said. </p>.<p>The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had mounted pressure on the government to allow 100 per cent occupancy in theatres, with several new movies getting lined up for release. </p>.<p>Sudhakar explained that the fresh relaxations are based on declining hospitalisation numbers. “In January, the hospitalisation rate was 5-6 per cent. It is now down to 2 per cent,” he said, adding that the government was aware of the losses incurred by the film industry because of the Covid-19 curbs. </p>.<p>“Withdrawal of curbs doesn't mean we get complacent. We have learnt the lessons of dealing with Covid these two years. We must take precautions,” Sudhakar said. </p>.<p>Other curbs on functions (300 people outdoors, 200 indoors), 50 people at a time in places of religious worship and the ban on fairs, rallies, dharnas and protests will continue, Sudhakar said. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Under pressure from the film industry, the Basavaraj Bommai administration decided Friday to allow 100 per cent seating in theatres and multiplexes. </p>.<p>Likewise, the government allowed 100 per cent occupancy in gyms, yoga centres, and swimming pools. </p>.<p>The decision will come into effect from Saturday. </p>.<p>Until now, these establishments were required to function at 50 per cent capacity. </p>.<p>The decision was taken at a meeting Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai chaired with officials and the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). </p>.<p>“Starting Saturday, 100 per cent occupancy will be allowed in theatres, yoga centres, gyms and swimming pools,” Health Minister K Sudhakar told reporters. However, consumption of food and beverages inside the movie hall is prohibited. “People can eat outside during intervals,” Sudhakar said. </p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/national/districts-with-less-than-5-covid-positivity-rate-can-move-towards-reopening-schools-centre-1077795.html" target="_blank">Districts with less than 5% Covid positivity rate can move towards reopening schools: Centre</a></strong></p>.<p>“We also require people visiting theatres, gyms and other places to be doubly vaccinated. We want this to be followed strictly,” the minister said. </p>.<p>The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) had mounted pressure on the government to allow 100 per cent occupancy in theatres, with several new movies getting lined up for release. </p>.<p>Sudhakar explained that the fresh relaxations are based on declining hospitalisation numbers. “In January, the hospitalisation rate was 5-6 per cent. It is now down to 2 per cent,” he said, adding that the government was aware of the losses incurred by the film industry because of the Covid-19 curbs. </p>.<p>“Withdrawal of curbs doesn't mean we get complacent. We have learnt the lessons of dealing with Covid these two years. We must take precautions,” Sudhakar said. </p>.<p>Other curbs on functions (300 people outdoors, 200 indoors), 50 people at a time in places of religious worship and the ban on fairs, rallies, dharnas and protests will continue, Sudhakar said. </p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
