Cineplex to open some Albertan movie theatres before end of the month

Jun 15 2020, 4:11 pm

Things are starting to get back to normal here in Alberta, even with the looming threat of COVID-19 still at large.

Sure, we still need to practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and keep a mask on us for that trip into town, but a reduction in active cases and hospitalizations in Alberta has seen much reopen with the blessing of public health officials.

Alberta enacted Stage 2 of the province’s Relaunch Strategy on June 12, allowing for restaurants to operate at full capacity (as long as physical distancing measures are met, that is), and for pools, gyms, movie theatres, and many other services to reopen.

However, just because they’re allowed to reopen doesn’t mean that businesses have all jumped at the possibility.

Physical distancing signage, hand santization stations, and proper coronavirus training must first be put in place, as per public health orders, so it’s been a slow reopening since June 12.

Cineplex recently announced their plans to begin reopening movie theatres throughout the province, stating that they’re “working towards reopening six theatres in Alberta on June 26, 2020.”

That’s about a week before the rest of the country is expected to see their Cineplex doors open, as the company is hoping to reopen “as many of its locations as it can on July 3, 2020 (or as soon thereafter as permitted by law).”

The release also noted that Cineplex has spent the previous three months preparing for a safe reopening.

“Cineplex has carefully reexamined all of its buildings and processes, so that when its theatres and entertainment venues reopen, it will have implemented an industry-leading program with end-to-end health and safety protocols,” the release states.

“At Cineplex’s theatres specifically, it will also be launching reserved seating in all auditoriums across the country to ensure proper physical distancing between its guests.”

Not such a bad situation to be in for those who dislike sitting right beside a tall stranger.

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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