Karnataka allows cinema halls to operate at 100 percent capacity for 4 weeks on trial basis
Bengaluru, Feb 3: Considering the hardships faced by Kannada film industry's artistes, producers and workers, it has been decided to allow cinema halls to fill up to 100 percent of their capacity for four weeks on a trial basis, Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said on Wednesday.
The minister made the announcement after a meeting held as per instructions of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa with key office-bearers of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and representatives from the industry.
As per technical advisory committee's recommendations, the Health department had earlier allowed 50 per cent seatings in cinema halls.
Though Centre had given green signal for 100 per cent seating, the decision was left to the discretion of state governments depending on the situation in each state, he noted.
The film industry had opposed this decision and requested to reconsider it keeping in view the welfare of those employed in this field.
They had also appealed to the Chief Minister to support them in this "difficult time".
"It was discussed and as per the instructions of Chief Minister, the decision has been taken to allow 100 per cent seatings for four weeks.Strict guidelines will be released tomorrow," he said.
"Owners of cinema halls should adhere to these guidelines and people should strictly follow.If any case of COVID-19 is detected, government will have to inevitably revoke the decision," the minister cautioned.
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Death toll from Israeli strikes in northeast Lebanon rises from 8 to 24, Lebanese news agency says
Deir al-Balah, Nov 1: Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed at least 24 people in northeastern Lebanon, the country's news agency said, raising the death toll from eight there.
It was the latest deadly toll in the area since the conflict between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah escalated last month.
Israel's military has said that its operation in Lebanon is targeting Hezbollah's military infrastructure.
Lebanon's state National news Agency reported four airstrikes in different villages across country's northeast, saying rescuers were still searching for survivors in Younine, a town in the Bekaa Valley, from the rubble of a targeted house.
Hussein Haj Hassan, a Lebanese lawmaker representing the region in Baalbek-Hermel region, said that 60,000 people have already fled their homes in the area due to Israeli bombardment.
