Cinemas in China reopen today – but what will that look like?

After roughly six months of closures, cinemas across China are finally given the green light to open in low-risk areas starting today, according to an announcement by the China Film Administration last week. 

Along with the re-opening announcement also came a slew of social-distancing guidelines for cinemas and movie-goers. For example, theatres will be required to operate at 30 percent capacity or below, with one metre of space kept between moviegoers – while the language implies between strangers, it's unclear as of yet whether in practice that will mean between individual audience members or groups of friends. 

All tickets will be sold online with real-name registration and the usual measures including collection of personal details, checks to ensure green health codes and temperatures below 37.3 degrees Celsius as well as mandatory masks for all audience members will be in place.

The usual number of screenings must be reduced by half and films kept to under two hours of playing time. Cinemas are also required to extend the break between each showing and thoroughly disinfect the theatres. 

It may not be the cinema-going experience we remember, but you'll finally get to see flicks on the big screen again (and safely at that).

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