Cinemas across France are set to reopen from June 22nd, but the viewing experience is likely to be a little different from normal.
Bars, cafés and theatres have already fully reopened across France, but film-lovers will have to wait just a little later for their fix, as cinemas are not permitted to reopen until Monday, June 22nd.
And of course when they do reopen they will have hygiene and social distancing restrictions in place to try and avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Ahead of their reopening, the Fédération Nationale des Cinémas Français has put together a guide for cinema owners on the restrictions they will need to put in place.
Here is what is likely to be in place from Monday.
- 1m distance between customers. The guide says that groups who go to the cinema together can sit next to each other, but there must be at least one free seat between each customer or group of customers
- 50 percent room occupancy – only half the usual number of tickets for each screening can be sold
- 1m distance in queues. Cinema owners are advised to take measures to avoid queuing but to put markers in place so that any queues that do form remain distanced
- Stagger screening times to ensure that two films don’t end at the same time, leading to large numbers of people exiting at the same time
- Masks should be worn on communal areas like the foyer, but can be removed once customers are seated
- Hand gel provided for customers
- All areas accessed by the public should be cleaned and disinfected at least twice a day
- Doors to screening rooms to remain open as much as possible to ensure ventilation.
Faced with restrictive health conditions, many cinema owners are considering open-air screenings or drive-in cinemas.
READ ALSO: FRANCE: Winemakers to convert unsold wine into hand sanitizer
In the Loir-et-Cher département, local authorities have arranged a series of summer drive-in films.
Nicolas Perruchot, département president, told French media: “Our area is rural. To get out, we have to take the car.
“The drive-in answers all health questions and offers a great cultural programme throughout the summer. It’s essential!”
Source: Thelocal
