Entertainment venues and tourist attractions may take additional steps to contain the spread of Covid-19, as global infection rates continue to rise.

The Multi-Ministry Task Force announced on March 13 that owners and tenants of venues that are accessible to the public have been advised to reduce close contact by their patrons and customers.

For example, restaurants might institute "social distancing", where patrons are seated at least a metre apart.

Other venues may also introduce physical separation, such as cinemas, theatres and gyms.

Leave a gap

In response to Mothership queries, a Golden Village spokesperson said that in view of the Covid-19 situation, the cinema operator has lifted its "no single seat gap" policy.

This means that patrons can leave a gap between themselves and others when they buy tickets.

This is in addition to the other precautionary measures that Golden Village has already taken, such as conducting temperature checks, stepping up cleaning and disinfection efforts, and making hand sanitisers available.

Customers with temperatures of 37.5°C or more will not be allowed into the theatre halls, and their tickets will be refunded.

Said Golden Village:

"At Golden Village, the safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our highest priority.

We believe the cautionary measures we have put in place will ensure all our customers can enjoy watching movies in a safe environment. We are monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to adhere to the latest advisories issued by the Ministry of Health."

Mothership has contacted other cinema operators Shaw, Cathay and Filmgarde, and will update this article when they reply.

Arts House venues are under 250 people

In response to a Mothership query, the Arts House, which runs theatrical performances at the Old Parliament House and other venues, said that the maximum capacity of its venues is under 250 each.

This is within the guidelines for the social distancing measures as announced by the task force.

The Arts House has also implemented several precautionary measures such as temperature screening, registration of all visitors and increased cleaning.

Said an Arts House spokesperson:

"Arts House Limited places the utmost importance on our patrons, artists and staff's wellbeing and safety.

Arts House Limited will monitor this situation closely and is committed to implementing precautionary measures as mandated by the Ministry of Health (MOH)."

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