Infection prevention at the Movie Hall

I am choosing this topic because of a very recent experience with one of our ‘so-called’ multiplex cinema halls, and more importantly, the recklessness of the movie-goers, especially during the post-pandemic era.

We, the People!

Generally speaking, we Indians are an irresponsible breed with a poor sense of history. As harsh as it might seem, it cannot be further from the truth. Until very recently, we had a pandemic followed by a bout of immense suffering, loss, and, if nothing else, anxiety! (Which is still ongoing). Individually, Indians have shown scant regard for Covid-19 norms, and now ever since the cases have declined, the covid guidelines have been thrown out of the window – utter disregard for one’s safety, more importantly for other’s safety, by not wearing a mask, not maintaining the social distancing, not washing hands thoroughly or the lack of will to learn about hand washing or sanitization. Check a cinema hall, and you will find that not even 10% of the individuals/families carry a hand sanitizer!

Seating arrangement

The “I don’t give a s**t” attitude with which movie-goers prioritize their seating comfort over others’ safety can cost others, given that a ‘loud & out’ seating plan is in place. The seat and the armrest that you so relaxingly glide into has been used by 100s of people through the day, sneezed and coughed upon by many, many times, and the cup holder you swirl your fingers in might be host to thousands of bacteria and pathogens such as the staph (Staphylococcus), to your mouth. It’s a quick jump to a respiratory infection”. Few theatres do steam clean their seats several times per year, but with 3 or 4 shows a day, seven days a week – does it make much of a difference?

Eatin’ n Drinkin’ 

It is the collective responsibility of the hall’s management/administration and the moviegoers. When it comes to eating at the cinema halls, I am careful not to buy or consume popcorn, nachos, samosas, hot dogs, or any fried food items that might have grown stale. Plus, we never know if the food handler is practicing any hygiene measures laid out, if there are any. Also, be careful enough not to rest your hands on the food counter as it has invisible friends waiting to hop on you. Remember, germs are always waiting for you!   

If you eat popcorn, please do not touch the armrest or any part of the seat unless you plan to wash or sanitize your hands. Also, please try to avoid eating out totally, as it might save you a few bucks for the next ticket.

The stuff they give out  

3-D films are more popular than ever — and who doesn’t love a multi-sensory experience? But beware — those glasses are plain old filthy. A study by The Good Housekeeping Institute tested wrapped and unwrapped glasses, discovering bacteria on all samples. Although most of what they found was benign, one pair had traces of Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections and pink eye. Swipe these with antibacterial wipes before using.  

Floors

The floor is another area where you should be very cautious as it often has a lot of fecal matter. Consider holding your purse or bag in your lap and if you put your popcorn on the ground, leave it there. It was very dark, and I could sense a gazillion things lying on the floor. It is probably the intention behind not turning on the light nowadays, once the movie is over. 

The Air we inhale 

It sounds a little extreme, but enclosed spaces during cold and flu season can be a breeding ground for germs. “If someone near you is coughing and sneezing, ACHOO! Consider moving!

Men’s Room  

Did you know that one in every five people who use the washroom – don’t wash their hands? Only about 30% of those washing their hands use soap. The CDC may recommend 15-20 seconds of vigorous handwashing with soap and water to kill germs, but do you see people doing this in public washrooms the majority of the time? I saw this LIVE once when two gentlemen who came to loosen up themselves did not bother to wash their hands!! Adding to my horror was the state of affairs the men’s room was in – dirty commodes, no soap dispenser, doorknobs touched by hundreds of people throughout the day with no housekeeping staff on duty in the vicinity. No one bothered to inform the hall administration, and when I did, they responded that it was the last show of the day. Luckily, I had a soap strip from my previous train journey and the sanitizer my wife always carried. But it taught me a thing or two about being responsible for one’s safety. 

The same set of hands  

The same set of hands get carried everywhere, including the handrails and elevator buttons, seat armrests, waiting for counter at the cafeteria. The administration must make a conscious effort to clean and sanitize them every few hours. It also made me realize that I would be carrying paper soap for the rest of my days on earth 🙂  

The bottom line is that if it looks or feels dirty, it probably is. 

Santosh Vyas