These are testing times for everybody and almost every single individual is facing the effects of the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus Pandemic. On one hand, lives are being lost in the hundreds and the list of infected patients is rising by the thousands. On the other hand, livelihoods are lost because of the suspension of all public activities and lockdown of almost all businesses. One of the first businesses to be affected and still being affected is the entertainment industry, with the suspension of all shooting and lockdown of all theatres. All multiplexes and single screens are suffering big time. The Government had announced the guidelines for Unlock 3.0 yesterday in which they had prohibited opening up of metro rail services, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places. The MAI association which represents over 18 multiplex chains across India and is the voice of about 90% of the multiplex industry. They have now issued a statement criticizing government’s decision to keep the cinemas closed in unlock 3.0. Their statement reads as follows: 
 
“We are extremely disappointed with the Unlock 3.0 announcement to keep cinemas under continued lockdown. The industry was thoroughly prepared with stringent SOPs and guidelines to offer a safe movie watching experience. The Government's decision is against our expectations and will impact millions of livelihoods dependent on the industry. We have been urging the Government all along and continuing to engage with the relevant authorities with our plea to allow the cinemas to operate.  
 
The stringent SOPs were developed, and a representation was submitted to l&B Ministry as well as the Health Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs which clearly stipulated the proactive measures we will be undertaking if allowed to open up. These measures were prepared keeping in mind all the possible customer touchpoints and accordingly prepared in line with globally accepted standards and protocols, which have been implemented in countries where cinemas have opened up, and are witnessing a good customer response. At this point, we are only hopeful that we will be able to convince the authorities about our abilities to ensure a safe environment, and that our plea is reconsidered for an early reopening.”