Face masks and gaps between seats as cinema reopens

Safety measures as film fans welcomed back

A city centre cinema will become the first in the district to reopen tomorrow (Friday) but film fans will have to wear face masks for some screenings. The Curzon in Westgate Hall Road says it has taken the decision to get back into business after implementing a range of Covid-19 safety measures, including separating individual cinema-goers and groups with gaps between seating. Bosses say for those still requiring further reassurance, face masks will be obligatory for some screenings. Tickets for the programme of movies, which includes family films, have already gone on sale. The Curzon has three screens and seats a total of 220 people. Cinema manager Ricky Richards said the decision to reopen was taken following an extensive risk assessment which has resulted in a range of measures to keep customers safe. “All seats have to be prebooked and guests and groups will be met individually by a host at the door, given time to buy any refreshments and then escorted to their seats,” he said. “Two seats will be empty either side of individuals, couples and larger groups. “We encourage people to wear masks but it will not be compulsory unless during one of the screenings that dictate it. “We are trialling those because we think some people may only come if they and others around them are wearing masks.” The cinema closed on March 18 when the coronavirus epidemic hit, and most staff members were furloughed.

“It’s exciting to be back open again and many of our regular customers have told us they are keen to return,” said Ricky. “But during the shutdown we have also been offering an online streaming service which has also gone quite well.” The films showing during the reopening week will include Parasite, Onward, Trolls World Tour, The Truth, The Whistlers, Moffie, The County and Who You Think I Am. Customers are advised to book tickets online, arrive just before the scheduled start time and queue outside the cinema until staff open the doors. Deep cleans will be carried out after customers have left the screenings. Both the Odeon cinema in the city and the Kavanagh in Herne Bay have yet to reveal any reopening plans.

On its website, the Gulbenkian cinema at the University of Kent campus says it hopes to reopen in late August or early September.

Manager Ricky Richards