Cineplex closing all theatres across Canada due to COVID-19 concerns
Posted March 16, 2020 6:13 pm.
Last Updated March 16, 2020 8:49 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Cineplex is temporarily closing all 165 theatres country-wide due to the rapid spread of COVID-19.
The move is being made out of “an abundance of caution” and theatres, as well as location-based entertainment venues, will shut their doors on Monday.
The company says the shut down will be effective until at least April 2nd, at which time Cineplex says it plans to reassess the situation.
JUST IN: #Cineplex is closing its movie theatres across the country in response to the #COVID19 pandemic. More on @NEWS1130.
— BEN WILSON (@benwilson1130) March 17, 2020
Chief executive officer Ellis Jacob says Cineplex leadership has closely monitored the escalating spread of COVID-19 in Canada, and believes “the time as come for us to do more.”
Cineplex represents about 75 percent of the Canadian film exhibitor market across the country.
This comes on the heels of municipalities across the Lower Mainland shutting down recreation services to try to limit the spread of the virus.
Landmark Cinemas is also following suit, closing down all theatres across Canada on Monday night after the last listed showtimes are completed.
It’s not clear when Landmark will re-open theatres, only saying ” We will continue to adhere to the directives of federal, provincial and municipal health authorities and will reopen when it is deemed appropriate.”
Tickets are being refunded to customers.
