Covid-19 pandemic has led to closure of museums worldwide; however museums have started reopening in several countries. Since the festive season is here, so the government has decided to allow re-opening of museums, art galleries and exhibitions under Ministry of Culture with effect from 10 November, 2020. Accordingly, based on the Unlock 5.0 Guidelines of MHA, Ministry of Culture has issued detailed SOPs for “Re-opening of Museums, Art Galleries and Exhibitions ” with preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19.
These guidelines contain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed by the management of museums, art galleries and exhibitions (both temporary and permanent), as well as the visitors to these spaces. Comprehensive guidelines have been issued for adequate cleaning, purchase of tickets and for ensuring safety of visitors and staff at museums, exhibitions and art galleries.
These guidelines shall come into effect immediately, and shall continue to be in effect until further orders. While the museums, exhibitions and art galleries under Ministry of Culture would be reopened from 10 November, 2020 onwards, others can be reopened as per convenience and in tune with relevant State/city /local laws, rules and regulations/unlock guidelines in force.
Some Important Guidelines on Re-opening of Museums, Art Galleries & Exhibitions
- No museums and/or art galleries shall re-open inside containment zones.
- State/UT Governments may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.
- Adequate physical distancing of at least 6 feet to be followed at all times.
- Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory at all times.
- Sanitization of premises to be done on a regular basis.
- Availability of hand sanitizers, preferably in the touch-free mode, at entry and exit points as well as common areas within the premises.
- Adequate dustbins must be provided at key points, with specially marked dustbins for proper disposal of masks, gloves or other equipment, especially those used by cleaning staff.
- Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/ handkerchief/ flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.
- Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
- Installation & use of AarogyaSetu App shall be advised to all visitors and staff having compatible mobile phones.
- Periodical public announcements should be made advising the visitors to follow standard protocols such as maintaining safe distance, covering face with mask, regular hand sanitization etc.
- Designate on-site safety officer to report unsafe conditions in the premises, immediately.
- Management authorities of each museum/art gallery may establish a clear chain of command in case of emergency situations.
- In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
- a. Place the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
- b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
- c. Immediately inform the nearest medical facility (hospital/ clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
- d. A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/ treating physician) and accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
- e. Thorough disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.
Other Guidelines relevant to Cultural Institutions
- Cinemas/ theatres/ multiplexes win be permitted to open with upto 50% of their seating capacity, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, with effect from 15the October 2020, for which, SOP will be issued by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
- Entertainment parks and similar places will be permitted to open with effect from 15th October, 2020, for which the SOP will be issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
- Business to Business (B2B) Exhibitions will be permitted to open, in areas outside the Containment Zones only, with effect from 15th October 2020, for which, SOP will be issued by the Department of Commerce.
- (Social/ academic/ sports/ entertainment/ cultural/ religious/ political functions and other congregations have already been permitted with a ceiling of 100 persons, outside Containment Zones only. Such gatherings beyond the limit of 100 persons may be permitted, outside Containment Zones, by State/UT governments after 15th October,2020 only and subject to the following conditions:
- a.In closed spaces, a maximum of 50% of the hall capacity will be allowed, with a ceiling of 200 persons. Wearing of face masks, maintaining social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and use of hand wash or sanitizer will be mandatory.
- b. In open spaces, keeping the size of the space/ground in view,and with strict observance of social distancing, mandatory wearing of face masks, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer.
State/UT Governments will issue detailed SOPs, to regulate such gatherings and strictly enforce the same.”
Ministry of Culture SOPs for Re-opening of Museums, Art Galleries & Exhibitions – Download PDF
Article Source – PIB
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