THUNDER BAY – After nearly four months with screens darkened, Cineplex announced it plans to re-open 25 theatres across Ontario on Friday.
However, the company’s Thunder Bay SilverCity location did not make the list.
The company was given the go-ahead earlier this month by the province to reopen theatres, but Cineplex chose not to do so because of indoor gathering locations due to COVID-19.
The province initially said only 50 people, plus employees, would be allowed inside theatre complexes at any given time. The Ford government says it will amend the rule to allow 50 people per auditorium.
Of the 25, Sudbury is the only Northern Ontario location on the initial list of theatres that will welcome back customers on Friday.
The theatres that are reopening will have reserved seating in each theatre, with every other row blocked. Like other businesses that have reopened, there will also be enhanced cleaning procedures and payment will only be allowed by debit and credit, according to a City News report.
Food options will also be limited.
Tickets must be purchased online.
The company has said it expects to reopen the rest of its Ontario locations over the next several weeks.
