c
Edmonton
airing now
101.7 FM
|
88.1HD2
airing now
8.85 c
Edmonton
airing now
101.7 FM
|
88.1HD2

Cineplex to close theatres nationwide in response to COVID-19

BY , Mar 17, 2020 3:31 PM - REPORT AN ERROR

Cineplex Odeon Theater at Dundas Square in Toronto on Monday December 16, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Vincent Elkaim

Canada's largest movie exhibitor Cineplex Inc. says it's closing all of its 165 theatres nationwide until at least April 2 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The chain also plans to temporarily shutter entertainment complexes the Rec Room and Playdium effective tonight.

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 per cent of the Canadian film exhibitor market across the country.

The company had been reluctant to close down its operations in recent days, choosing instead to sell fewer tickets at each screening and clean surfaces more frequently.

But federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu urged the public on Monday to cancel gatherings of more than 50 people.

Latest News

Share on

Sign up for the newsletter
We'll deliver best of entertainment right into your inbox
We love to hear from our listeners, so feel free to send us message
whatsUp icon
Message us on whatsapp