After being suspended for a long period of time due to the threat from the novel coronavirus, cinemas across Vietnam are poised to resume operation from January 31.

A cinema in Hanoi is thoroughly disinfected before receiving audiences. Photo: Anh Tu

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has just sent an official dispatch to the people's committees of provinces and cities to voice its support for localities’ proposal to reopen their cinemas to serve local residents’ entertainment demand after two years of a Covid-19 hiatus.

Accordingly, cinemas will be open to the public starting from the end of this month or two days ahead of Vietnam’s traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, the dispatch said.

The ministry requires cinemas to put in place preventive measures against the deadly virus, have Covid-19 response plans in hand, and coordinate with local health authorities to handle cases if there is an outbreak.

Both staff and moviegoers are required to have received full doses of vaccine and strictly observe Covid-19 guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health, including donning face masks, washing hands with sanitizer, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding large gatherings.

In line with necessary preventative measures, cinemas nationwide also announced that all guests must have their body temperature measured whilst following social distancing protocols in an attempt to ensure the safety of the wider community.

Due to increased safety measures, cinemas staff are to be equipped with knowledge of dealing with suspected cases of individuals who display symptoms such as a cough, a fever, or shortness of breath.

Cinemas in Vietnam have closed the door for almost two years since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. The reopening of cinemas is to meet the people's demand for cultural and artistic enjoyment on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2022, support film distributors in overcoming financial difficulties, and realize the dual goals of anti-pandemic and economic development.