Coronavirus: All single screens in Bengal shut, most

All single-screen cinema halls and most of the multiplexes in West Bengal will remain shut till March 31 in wake of the coronavirus outbreak, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Eastern India Motion Pictures Association(EIMPA), the apex body of producers, distributors and exhibitors, asked all its members to stop the screening of films.

"We have asked owners of all single screens to cancel shows with immediate effect in the interest of public safety," EIMPA president Piya Sengupta said.

The decision comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged cinema halls, stadiums and auditoriums to remain shut as a precautionary measure.

The owner of Navina cinema, Naveen Chokhani, said the step was necessary to ensure the safety of audience and hall employees.

Priya Entertainments' owner Arijit Dutta said, "We are suspending all shows but please quote me as asking that why the state is not closing down malls and only cinemas."