Regina’s Cineplex theatre in Southland and Saskatoon’s Centre Mall location will reopen Friday, July 3, with some changes.
Cineplex communications executive director Sarah Van Lange said the company has been brainstorming a reopening plan since theatres closed months ago at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Showtimes will be spaced out to reduce crowds, and guests are asked to show up no earlier than 15 minutes before a movie. Van Lange encourages guests to book tickets online in advance, as fewer seats will be available.
“We have reduced capacity by 60 to 80 per cent,” Van Lange said.
“Every other row is blocked off and then we’re having guests book seats in the auditorium in pairs so that we can ensure that there is at least two metres between you and your neighbours.”
There will be exceptions for families of three to sit together, but sitting in pairs is suggested.
There will also be a more intense cleaning regimen, including seats being sanitized between each show.
As theatres are reopening, tickets will be reduced to five dollars. The other four Cineplex theatres in Saskatchewan are expected to open later in July.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out. In situations where you can’t keep a safe distance from others, public health officials recommend the use of a non-medical face mask or covering to prevent spreading the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.