In an important move towards unlocking further, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has lifted the restrictions on cinema halls, schools, and swimming pools as part of its fifth phase of unlocking to revive business activities.

Cinema halls, theaters, and multiplexes have been allowed to reopen from October 15, with up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity, for which standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced MHA.

The MHA said states and Union Territories can take a decision on the reopening of schools and coaching institutions in a graded manner after October 15. While central government has announced reopening of theatres, Maharashtra in a separate announcement said theatres in the state would be shut till October 31. Last week, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that cinema halls in the state could function with a maximum of 50 participants from October 1.