Cineworld reopening delayed by more than two weeks despite lockdown easing

Cinema chain said shifting film release schedules was the reason it had pushed back its opening date

A Cineworld cinema in Southampton, England (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Cineworld has postponed the reopening of its cinemas in the UK and the US by more than two weeks.

Reuters reports that the company will now begin screening films on 31 July, citing adjustments to the schedules of forthcoming releases.

“Upcoming reopenings remain subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government Covid-19 restrictions,” a statement said.

A number of major releases have been pushed back over the past few weeks, including Disney’s Mulan and Christopher Nolan‘s highly anticipated blockbuster, Tenet.

In a previous statement addressing its plans to keep cinemagoers safe, Cineworld said that social distancing will be in place across all areas of the cinema, with friends and family sat in groups and separated from other customers in screening rooms.

There will also be staggered film times to ensure that no customers will mingle with those from other screening rooms while films begin and end.

Hand sanitisers will be provided for customers and employees, while plastic screens will be implemented at the concession stands.

Employees will also undertake special training in regards to cleaning and hand washing, and will be provided with PPE.