Here's what Cineplex theatres are going to look like when they reopen

Jun 25 2020, 2:36 pm

As 2020 continues to trek forward like a sci-fi/horror movie, Cineplex has updated its website to give moviegoers a glimpse into what theatres will look like when they reopen.

Cineplex Inc., headquartered out of Toronto, operates in 165 theatres across Canada, some of which are opening as early as next week.

“We’ve made comprehensive changes to ensure our guests and team stay safe,” reads the theatre chain’s website. From cleaning and sanitizing, to face masks, physical distancing, and payment options, the theatre has undergone a giant overhaul to ensure safety in one of the entertainment industry’s biggest sectors.

Cineplex is offering a “Find A Theatre” feature which tells you which of its locations are open and what’s playing. Here’s what else you can expect the theatres to look like when they reopen.

Cleaning and face masks

Cineplex

Auditoriums including seats, handrails, and children’s booster seats will be wiped down with industrial-grade cleaning products between each showtime, says the theatre chain. Touchpoint screens will be wiped down every “30 minutes or less” and hand sanitizers will be readily available in lobbies and common areas.

Employees will be required to declare if they are symptom-free and are instructed to stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or the flu and will be sent home immediately if they begin to show signs throughout their shift.

All employees will also be required to wear face coverings and masks at all times.

Cineplex is recommending that its guests wear a mask when they enter the theatre and will supply face masks free of charge for patrons that wish to wear them. Plexiglass shields have also been installed at all employee-facing points of sale.

Employees will have access to gloves and must wash their hands at least every half an hour.

Physical distancing

Cineplex

Reserved seating will be in effect at every auditorium to “ensure compliance with physical distancing guidelines.” Auditorium capacity is also being reduced and staggered to adhere to public health directions.

Specific sections, tables, and machines might be unavailable in order to meet physical distancing guidelines in certain common areas throughout Cineplex theatres.

Ticketing

Cineplex box offices will be closed and clients are urged to use the self-serve kiosks, the Cineplex website, or the Cineplex app to purchase tickets to reduce interactions between people.

Food and drink

Cineplex

Limited concessions will be available throughout the franchise and toppings, biodegradable straws, napkins, utensils, and condiments are available upon request at concessions. Kitchen staff will be wearing masks and Cineplex says food will be prepared in “accordance with our enhanced staff hand-washing practices and local health regulations.”

Theatre room

Cineplex

All seats are reserved-only throughout Cineplex and guests are asked to select seats in advance via the theatre’s website or the Cineplex App.

Guests are required to sit in their reserved seats for the entirety of the screening and are asked not to sit in empty seats or rows. If a seat change is required, moviegoers are to ask an employee for assistance.

When leaving, Cineplex is asking clients to take their garbage with them and exit the theatre one row at a time and maintain physical distancing on the way out.

Washrooms

Cineplex

Guests are asked to maintain physical distances while waiting in line for the washroom and the theatre chain has staggered some stalls and urinals to ensure added space. Patrons are asked to wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

VIP Cinemas

Cineplex

Lounge capacity has been reduced to ensure physical distancing and there will be no seating at the theatre VIP bar.

Food offerings have been temporarily reduced but full beer, wine, and cocktail menus are still available. Cineplex encourages guests to place “contactless orders” through the Cineplex app or directly through the auditorium’s in-house server.

For more information, visit the Cineplex FAQ page.

Ty JadahTy Jadah

+ Curated
ADVERTISEMENT