Local cinemas are a hugely important part of our society, as film fans come to gather to enjoy movies together. With COVID-19 threatening the lives of many of our most vulnerable, however, some fans may be keen to run away from the difficult times for some escapism. But for those willing to brave the cinema, are they currently open?
Most cinemas, many will be happy to hear, are still open, though some have released particular guidelines about coronavirus protection.
At Odeon, the guideline released reads: “The safety and well-being of our guests and of our colleagues is of the utmost importance.
“While the situation around Coronavirus keeps evolving, we’re closely monitoring government and official public health organisation announcements for guidance.
“We will continue to operate our cinemas as normal wherever possible.
“We want you to feel confident about your cinema experience, so our hosts will be on hand to help you find seats that you’ll feel most comfortable in, with space between you and other guests.”
The cinema also shared how they encourage guests and have “strict guidelines” for colleagues who have early symptoms, asking them to stay away and ensuring those who have pre-paid tickets can get a refund.
Picturehouse cinemas shared a similar message to their users, saying: “While we are all dealing with the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we wanted to take this opportunity to update you and give you some practical facts on what we’re doing as a company to help keep people safe and minimise the spread of COVID-19 in our cinemas.
“The safety and well-being of our customers, our members and our staff is our utmost priority at Picturehouse, and we’re continuing to follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully…
“For several weeks now, we have also asked any members of staff who have visited areas affected by COVID-19 to seek medical advice and remain off work until their GP gives them the all-clear.
“Our cinemas are open and are operating as normal. We will continue to keep in touch with you and follow official guidance from the UK Government and Public Health England carefully.”
Most cinema chains are staying open, however, independent cinemas may decide to close their doors voluntarily, so fans should check with their local independent in case their decision is different.
Clearly they are carrying on in the vein of the Cannes Film Festival, which is still claiming to be going ahead as planned in May.
A spokesperson for the festival told The Guardian, after the French government extended a ban on public gatherings of more than 5,000 people until the end of May: “[These] instructions don’t concern the festival as we are never more than 5,000 in one enclosed space.
“As of today, nothing indicates the festival will not take place.”
Earlier in the month, Cineworld’s shares fell by 13 percent after the announcement Bond movie No Time to Due would be pushed back, and some analysts have suggests they could be a global loss of an estimated £4.1billion ($5billion) in the film industry.
The CEO of the UK Cinema Association, Phil Clapp, was optimistic in an interview with publication, saying: “Admissions remain high. In line with the advice given by the deputy chief medical officer this week, all sites will remain open.”
Of course, these assertions were earlier in the month, so it is hard to know whether the same sentiments remain now the number of cases has soared.
For updates on when local cinemas close, keep an eye on Express.co.uk
