Event cinemas to temporarily close across New Zealand due to coronavirus
Event cinemas has announced it's to temporarily close across New Zealand due to coronavirus.
"Due to Government restrictions in relation to the occupation of indoor venues as a response to the public health risks associated with Coronavirus for both customers and staff, Event Cinemas New Zealand has announced all Event Cinemas, the Embassy Theatre and Rialto Cinemas (Newmarket and Dunedin) will temporarily close from today, 23 March 2020," a statement said.
The cinema chain's general manager Carmen Switzer said "The impact of Coronavirus is unprecedented and we could no longer guarantee the safety and wellbeing of our staff and customers which has always been our first priority.
"We are committed to working openly and honestly with our people during this time, supporting them in the best way we can. We look forward to reopening with a strong blockbuster film line-up, and returning to employing staff in the local communities in which we operate."
READ MORE:
* Coronavirus: Cinemas shifts to spaced out seating and half capacity
* Coronavirus: What new restrictions mean for bars, gyms, cinemas and museums
* Coronavirus: Bus drivers 'most vulnerable industry' but not being prioritised worries union
* Coronavirus is shutting down movies, tours and festivals - here's where things stand
Customers who purchased tickets during the closure period will be automatically refunded and receive an email telling them of this.
The cinema chain last week introduced new measures to combat coronavirus, including spaced seating, more in cinema hygiene measures, and self-scanning tickets.
An update on Event's website said they would "be back soon."
Cinema chains in parts of Australia have been closed down already to the spread of coronavirus.
Stuff