In the latest coronavirus action plan in the UK, there have been hints about what businesses will be allowed to open in the coming months and what won’t. Cinemas have been classed as ‘high risk’ businesses that won’t be allowed to open before July. After that, they will have to consider where the country is in that time but Disney hopes to release Mulan late-July.
Cinemas in China made an attempt to reopen their cinemas at the end of March but they were forced to close after one weekend and are now aiming for June. The US have reopened some of their cinemas with the condition that patrons have to undertake a health check before they are allowed in. When the UK cinemas eventually reopen, the same cautious measures will need to be put in place to keep everyone safe and prevent a second peak.
We have made clear to the U.K. government — and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — that, on the basis of our understanding of the safeguards that will need to be in place before cinemas can safely open, most venues will be ready to do so by the end of June. Today’s suggestion that this might be considered around 4 July is therefore welcome.
Phil Clapp, Chief Executive of the UK Cinema Association
When cinemas are reopened, they will have to undertake social distancing measures the same as any business while also trying to scrape back the money that they will have inevitably lost during this time. With VOD releases becoming more prevalent and desired, will they overtake cinema releases?
Be sure to follow for more updates on the current state of the film industry as they arise.
