The Centre announced standard operating procedures (SOPs) for resuming shooting of films and TV programs on Sunday. The SOPs were announced by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar. SOPs include social distancing and mandatory use of face cover or masks. Javadekar added that shooting can be started using these SOPs. The SOPs have been released in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. SOPs have been finalized after consulting health and home ministries. "Shooting of films, TV serials was stopped due to COVID for the last 6 months. Some states had given permissions so it had somehow started in places. We have issued SOPs for shooting as per international experience, consulting Health ministry and Home ministry," Javadekar said. He added, "Apart from actors, all others will have to wear masks during shoots. Social distancing will also have to be followed by all. This is an important aspect of the economy and employs millions of people. We have issued SOPs to facilitate the production activity to resume.