The Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine has invoked provisions under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, that ensures that movie theatres are occupied only by those vaccinated against COVID-19. It has requested cinema hall owners to allow only vaccinated audience and several multiplexes, especially those in Tamil Nadu's capital city Chennai have started implementing the same. 

“It is a step towards a safe Tamil Nadu. With 74% first-dose coverage and 37% second-dose coverage, this strategy will definitely help us reach the unvaccinated,” Dr. TS Selvavinayagam, DPH director said about the move.

The government order for being vaccinated with atleast one dose to enter movie theaters, comes at a time when the rate of COVID vaccination for both first doses and due/overdue second doses, has slowed down in Tamil Nadu.