THE Oatmill Cinema Complex has taken steps to ensure social distancing measures are met at its facility, limiting seating capacity in response to growing concern over coronavirus.
The independently-owned cinema has become one of the city’s first businesses outside the health sector to take significant precautionary action against the global pandemic, with seating to be reduced to 35pc.
Oatmill Cinema Complex assistant manager Tracy Lalich said the entertainment outlet had introduced extra measures to provide a safe and comfortable experience for patrons until the outbreak was controlled.
Ms Lalich said the complex’s 470 seats would be reduced to 35pc, closing every second row of seating during screenings, which would be alternated between sessions to allow for thorough cleaning.
“Having the row removed creates over a metre gap from viewers in front and behind,” Ms Lalich said.
“I think the steps we have made are effective…we think people are really unsure at the moment, so we are giving them reassurance.”
Ms Lalich said over recent weeks film attendance had been lower than usual, which she suspects was because of the coronavirus.
“China is currently in lockdown which is considered one of the biggest markets which go to the movies,” she said.
“Film distributors are saying that is why the numbers are low and are postponing films which were expected to already be released or released soon.
“I think they are also taking into consideration the amount of people who are being affected by the outbreak too.”
While no confirmed virus cases had been reported in the Limestone Coast region at time of print, Ms Lalich said the future was unpredictable.
“We are unsure as to what will happen next with everything being so unpredictable,” she said.
“The virus is having and will have a roll-on effect in many businesses, which will see job shortages in some sectors.”
Ms Lalich urged patrons to practice proper personal hygiene before visiting the cinema.
“If you come with somebody then we advise you stay with them, but we recommended to sit at least a two seats apart from anybody,” she said.
“We will be wiping down surfaces regularly and prefer people to use card instead of cash.
“We are unable to source any hand sanitiser at the moment and if we can, it is expected to take three months.”
With blockbuster Mulan expected to hit screens next Tuesday, Ms Lalich said the complex now did not have an estimated time of arrival for the film.
“Fortunately, Disney Pixar has been very generous and released the movie Onward earlier than expected to fill some gaps with advanced screenings this weekend,” Ms Lalich said.
