What if we told you that you no longer have to worry about someone kicking your seat when you go to the movies? What if we told you, that you won’t have to sit directly next to a stranger the next time you go to the cinema? Well, that should be the case, at least for an undetermined amount of time…
After months of COVID-19-related shutdowns, most cinemas across Quebec are reopening with strict new health and safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To keep everyone safe, Cineplex has put the following measures in place:
Reserved seating
Reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing
Enhanced cleaning practices, with particular focus on high-contact surfaces, restrooms and seats
Accepting debit and credit payments only, except for gift card purchases
Limiting food offerings
Personal protective equipment for employees
Hand sanitizer readily available
Keeping VIP Cinemas closed for now
Updated procedures to “allow for physical distancing both inside and outside auditoriums.”
Meanwhile, Guzzo Cinemas, which reopened all nine of its theatres on Friday, is requiring guests to sit in separate rows from other guests they are not related to. Guests will also need to leave two empty seats on each side, which shouldn’t be a problem since each auditorium will be allowed a maximum of 50 people.
Meanwhile, Cinestarz theatres have also reopened with new COVID-19 accommodations, including plexiglass barriers at the concession stands and widely spaced out seats.
Staff at each of these chains are said to be wearing face masks and visors.