Face masks won't be 'expected or encouraged' when cinemas reopen
New government-endorsed guidelines have officially been announced
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.UK cinemas have announced the government-endorsed guidelines they will introduce when reopening doors in July.
Chains around the country are set to reopen on 4 July, almost three months after closing down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The guidelines were put together by the UK Cinema Association following consultations with the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
The amount of people permitted inside any one cinema will be “managed” by staff, but no capacity has been set. Customers will be advised to use hand sanitiser before entering the premises.
Floor markings will guide customer traffic in one direction. Staff members will be appointed “social distancing champions”, although face masks will be neither “expected or encouraged”.
While cafes will remain closed, popcorn will still be served to anybody who wants it.
In the screening rooms themselves, there will be social distancing between seats – which may reduce capacity to approximately 60 per cent.
The rooms will be frequently cleaned between showings, with films being played at a reduced rate.
These rules apply to cinemas in England, but Screen Daily reports that Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will use the guidelines as a framework for their own.
The first films to be released when cinemas reopen in July will be Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments