At long last, filmmakers and other entertainers would be able to host their events, after a year of being restricted per the COVID-19 protocols.
This comes after announcements that an engagement with stakeholders in the industry was ongoing.
Even though the restrictions have been eased, there are some conditions to be fulfilled.
A statement issued by Ghana Tourism Authority indicates that operators have been prompted to apply for a permit to operate from their outfit.
In his COVID-19 Update to the nation on 16th May 2021, The President, Nana Akufo-Addo tasked the GTA and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to finalize guidelines for the operation of cinemas and theatres.
See a copy of the guidelines and the GTA letter sighted by ghanaweekend.com below:
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THEATRES AND CINEMA HALLS
Cinema Halls/Theatres shall operate with the following enhanced hygiene and safety protocols:
A. GENERAL
i. Cinema/Theatre establishments must train in-house stewards who will be responsible for COVID-19 protocols. Name and contacts must be submitted to the Ghana Tourism Authority. The Ghana Health Service will provide capacity building as support.
ii. Only Cinema/Theatre Establishments licensed by the Ghana Tourism Authority shall operate
iii. The premiering of movies at any other venue must be approved by the Ghana Tourism Authority
B. NOTIFICATIONS
i. Display of “No Masks No Entry” signage to ensure the mandatory wearing of face masks before entry and upon entry at all times.
ii. Display of “No Eating, No Drinking at the Cinema Hall/Theatre
iii. Display of notification “Go for Your COVID-19 Vaccine” at the entrance
iv. Display of notification on COVID-19 precautionary measures
v. Display of contact details of an Ambulance service and the nearest health facility
C. ENTRANCE/EXIT PROTOCOLS
i. A clear instruction on entry/exit of patrons must be made available
ii. Stewards must coordinate the entry and exit of patrons
iii. Mandatory checking of the temperature of both employees and patrons before entry by trained stewards
iv. Vital details of all patrons must be taken i.e., name, telephone number, and temperature record to monitor attendance and temperature of patrons as well as aid contact tracing if the need arises
D. TICKETING & PAYMENTS
i. Electronic pre-booking must be encouraged.
ii. Use of POS devices or electronic payments (e.g. MOMO, Vodafone cash etc.) must be encouraged.
E. IN-HALL PROTOCOLS
i. Sensitization on COVID-19 precautionary measures must be done before every movie/drama show
ii. Duration of a movie/drama show shall not exceed two (2) hours
iii. Duration between movie/drama sessions shall be within a minimum of thirty (30) minutes
iv. Enhanced ventilation must be maintained
v. Regular disinfection of the interior of cinema hall/theatre (In-between movie/drama show).
vi. Provision of hand sanitizer dispensers at vantage points
vi. All staff and patrons must wear face masks
vii. Face masks shall be made available to patrons
vii. Intermittent reminders on wearing of face masks must be ensured by stewards
F. SOCIAL DISTANCING
i. Floor signs must be placed to maintain physical distancing particularly at the entrance
ii. Ensure adequate spacing for seating to maintain physical distancing of at least 1 metre
iii. Physical distancing shall be maintained at the lounge
G. CLEANING PROTOCOLS
i. Provision of adequate hand-washing apparatus (running water, veronica buckets, soap together with tissues, and 70% alcohol-based sanitizer)
ii. Adequate, spacious, and covid-19 friendly washrooms must be provided.
iii. Thorough cleaning in the washrooms must be done intermittently.
iv. Disinfect all surfaces at the cinema hall/theatre e.g. floors, doorknobs, toilets, chairs, countertops, computers etc. regularly.
v. Staff and patrons must wash hands regularly as they may have cleaned or touched objects or surfaces such as door handles, handrails etc. that may have been contaminated by staff or patrons.
H. ISOLATION FACILITY
i. Provision of designated isolation areas in the facility
I. DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED WASTE
i. Proper management and disposal of contaminated waste (used tissues, face mask etc) according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health must be adhered to.
J. APPROVAL/CERTIFICATION
Approval will be by the issuance of a regular operational licence for Cinema/Theatre establishments and a provisional licence (in the case of premiering of a movie at any other venue) by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
K. MONITORING MECHANISM
The following modalities will be adopted to ensure compliance of the operational guidelines;
Mystery patrons
Exit interviews with patrons
Interactions with patrons
Use of checklist to monitor adherence to the operational guidelines
L. ENFORCEMENT
A team will conduct routine enforcement and when necessary seek the assistance of the Ghana Police Service.
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By: Kwame Dadzie | Ghana Weekend
