joel.julien@guardian.co.tt
Lights. Camera. Action.
Fourteen weeks after having to shut their doors to help stop the spread of COVID-19, local cinemas are getting this ready this week for the show to go on.
MovieTowne will be the first to resume operations and is scheduled to reopen tomorrow.
But what would a post-COVID cinema experience be like?
“Well patrons, what they are going to get is a whole new sanitised version of MovieTowne. I mean if it’s one thing we pride ourselves on is sanitisation. That’s our key thing but with the new guidelines we are going to do some new stuff and some more stuff,” MovieTowne’s events and entertainment manager Heathcliff West told Guardian Media yesterday.
When Guardian Media visited MovieTowne in Port-of-Spain hand sanitiser stations were installed around the premises including the main entrance.
Plexiglass partitions to separate cashiers from customers were also installed and markers were placed on the ground.
According to the guidelines handed down by the Health Ministry seating arrangements within the cinema or theatre should be modified to allow physical distancing of six feet apart between families/ groups of patrons on either side and by skipping rows.
Ushers will also be required to monitor and maintain the physical distancing requirements.
“It’s going to be a whole new experience, a different experience but it’s going to be wonderful none the less,” West said.
Caribbean Cinemas has announced that it will be reopening its doors on Thursday.
“With this new normal and to minimise contact areas inside the theaters, patrons will have the option to purchase tickets and concession items online. When purchasing online, patrons will receive a confirmation code that would grant access entrance after being scanned by one of the ushers and could also pick up their concession items with minimum contact and no handling of cash or debit/credit cards,” a release stated yesterday.
“It will be mandatory taking temperature at the entrance, also once inside, the use of facemask for patrons and employees is required. There are hand sanitising stations around the lobby area, clients will also find signage with the new guidelines about the protocol in restrooms, lobby areas and auditoriums. Acrylic panels have been installed in ticket booth and concession areas to protect employees and patrons. Cleaning frequency has been increased on high contact points, such as door handles, counters, kiosks, doors and railings,” Caribbean Cinemas stated.
Caribbean Cinemas will be offering discounts on all 2D movie tickets throughout the week.
Digicel Imax said it will be reopening on July 2.“We have missed you and look forward to welcoming you back soon,” Digicel Imax stated.