(Yicai Global) Feb. 27 -- Movie theaters in Beijing received a guideline for epidemic prevention in the film sector that requires real-name registration of audience members after these entertainment venues resume business.

Cinemas in the Chinese capital must apply to relevant government agencies before recommencing operations, under the directive the city's film bureau and disease prevention and control center jointly issued. Theaters may not sell tickets for adjoining seats, whether vertically or horizontally juxtaposed, and must record the identities of moviegoers, as well as their showtimes and seat numbers. Those failing to wear masks and those whose body temperatures are above 37.3 degree Centigrade must be barred.

All movie theaters in China have shut down for a government-mandated one month to prevent virus transmission.

The circular also requires hand sanitizer and other disinfectants in restrooms, at least eight disinfections in public areas each day, and thorough sanitizing and ventilation after the end of each film.

The directive did not specify when city cinemas may reopen, but did say the duration of the measures will depend on the developing situation.

The guideline also affects the cinematography sector. Crews of over 50 may not restart work in Beijing in principle until the epidemic is over. Those with fewer may resume indoor and outdoor shooting, but all members must always wear masks, except actors when they perform.

Most movie houses in China have shelved operations after seven new films scheduled to screen during the Spring Festival holiday canceled their releases on Jan. 23 because of the outbreak. China's movie market lost nearly CNY11.4 billion (USD1.6 billion) in box office over the past month as a result, data from last year show, almost 18 percent of the full-year total.

Editor: Ben Armour