Showtime: Sarawakians allowed back to the movies as cinemas reopen on Oct 10

File photo of an empty cinema. Photo credit: Pixabay

KUCHING, Oct 8: Cinemas in Sarawak have been given green light to reopen from Oct 10 onwards as restrictions have been eased throughout the State under National Recovery Plan (NRP) Phase 3.

State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced in its daily updates on Covid-19 situation in Sarawak today that it has agreed to allow the creative industry sector, notably cinema, to resume operations under the current phase.

However, the protocol and guidelines for the safe reopening of cinemas have yet to be uploaded to SDMC website.

Meanwhile, nightclubs, pubs, karaokes, family karaokes, theme parks, family amusement centres, live performances at hotel lounges as well as indoor and outdoor buskings are still not allowed to resume as it is a sector with a high-risk setting.

In an updated standard operating procedure (SOP) for NRP Phase 3, organisation of social events such as weddings, engagements, receptions, thanksgivings, “aqiqah” ceremony, “tahlil”, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions and retreats is still not permitted.

An exception is given to matters related to marriage solemisation for Muslims and non-Muslims which are subjected to order, instructions and SOP issued by Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) and Unit For Other Religions (Unifor).

SDMC reminded that any activities that would involve mass movement and gathering or people to the extent that physical distancing measures cannot be observed are prohibited for the time being.

This includes activities like fun rides, marathons and triathlons.

Any events that would gather people in one place until physical distancing measures and other Covid-19 safety and precautions issued by the Ministry of Health cannot be complied with remain disallowed. — DayakDaily