New dpcm, moving toward closing cinemas and theaters. But masses are allowed

A draft of the new dpcm, which Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is likely to sign as early as tomorrow, has been circulating for a few hours to establish new measures to contain the Covid-19 coronavirus infection. And from the draft there is no good news for culture: in fact, the provisional text of the decree provides closures for cinemas, theaters and concert halls. Unchanged rules, however, for museums, which will be allowed to remain open subject to the rules already in place for the May 18 reopening.

“Performances open to the public in theaters, concert halls, cinemas and other spaces, including outdoor spaces, are suspended,” the draft reads. Masses, however, will remain allowed: places of worship will be opened in such a way as to avoid gatherings of people, taking into account the size and characteristics of the places, and such as to ensure that attendees can respect the distance between them of at least one meter, but there will be no stop to services: “religious services with the parecipation of people,” the draft in fact reads, “shall be held in compliance with the protocols signed by the government and the respective confessions.” In short, cinemas and theaters no, but masses yes: the government will therefore have to find valid scientific reasons to justify such a measure (given that cinemas, theaters and churches can be entirely assimilated), which is decidedly punitive towards the public and theater managers and operators, and which hits hard at so many activities that have invested in making cinemas, theaters and concert halls safe, so much so that, according to what the trade associations say, at the moment there are no cases of positivity among the public, given the very strict rules in place to minimize the risk of contagion.

The industry is definitely concerned about the consequences that a total closure, such as the one that is being contemplated, could entail. The hope of most is that therefore culture can continue to work, at least at the moment, under the same conditions as before: if not, it will be necessary to explain why a cinema or theater at the moment is considered a place where there is more risk than in a church where mass is celebrated. Other striking measures include the closing at 6 p.m. of restaurant businesses, and the closing of all gyms. The existing measures would remain in effect until Nov. 30.

Image: Teatro Regio in Parma, seats with Plexiglas barriers.

New dpcm, moving toward closing cinemas and theaters. But masses are allowed

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.