Cineworld delays plans to reopen cinemas until end of July

CINEWORLD has delayed plans to reopen its cinemas by three weeks to now welcome back customers by the end of July.

The firm will begin screening films again on July 31 instead of July 10.

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It comes after the government last week gave cinema chains the green light to reopen on July 4 following coronavirus lockdown.

Cineworld closed the doors to its 128 UK cinemas on March 17, just ahead of Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown announcement on March 23.

The chain says it's delayed the reopening date in order to adjust to the schedule of upcoming movie releases.

Reopenings are also "subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government COVID-19 restrictions", it added.

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In comparison, Odeon, Showcase Cinemas and Vue have all said they'll reopen on July 4.

Once Cineworld cinemas reopen, customers can expect social distancing measures such as seating capacity limits while contactless payments will be encouraged.

In order to safely reopen, cinemas will also be expected to introduce staggered film start times to enable extra cleaning between screenings and a focus on online booking.

Plastic screens will also be installed at "key contact points", such as till areas.

Cineworld chief executive Mooky Greidinger said: "Movie fans around the world continue to be excited by the strong slate of summer films ahead, including Tenet, Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, Unhinged, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Greenland, and Antebellum as well as a special re-release of Christopher Nolan's Inception on IMAX.

"Cineworld looks forward to welcoming these moviegoers back to our cinemas next month and believes that they will once again be immersed in the timeless theatrical experience they know and love."

Cineworld recently revealed what its cinemas will look like when they reopen.

Last week, Odeon named the 10 cinemas reopening on July 4.

Showcase cinema goers have been encouraged to wear face masks when the chain reopens its screens next month.

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