A theory that cinema listings - or a lack of them - could be a sign another lockdown is on the way, has been dispelled.
In recent days, a number of people have taken to social media to suggest a lack of film listings at cinemas around the country beyond the end of this week is a sign the government is about to bring in a further severe lockdown.
Twitter in particular is alive with people asking if the lack of listings for films beyond this Thursday means the government is planning new restrictions.
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Covid rates are very high and there are real concerns about the pressure on the NHS, particularly in terms of staff absences.
The government has so far resisted moving to bring in further measures but has said this remains continually under review.
In reality, if there is to be further action taken, it seems a bit far fetched that this would be revealed by cinema chains somehow being given the heads up.
We spoke to a couple of the bigger cinema chains in the UK today which confirmed, as suspected, that there is no basis to the social media theories.
A spokesperson for Odeon said that there has been a slight delay in listing films for next week because the festive period included a number of bank holidays, which set things back.
He said film listings for the next week should appear on websites shortly.
Similarly, a representative for Cineworld said the situation with listings not being published beyond the end of this week was simply a scheduling issue.
On twitter, Cineworld responded to one person who asked the company if there was 'something you know that we don't' before adding '#NoMoreLockdowns #MissingCinemaListings.'
The company said: "Hi, we are in the process of updating our film times, these should be available to book later this evening. Please keep an eye on our website for an update."
So it would appear the cinema-based theories swirling around social media are without any basis in reality.
In terms of restrictions, Health Secretary Sajid Javid today said that despite the huge numbers of covid cases being recorded in England, there was nothing in the data suggesting a move away from the current Plan B measures was required.
He said: "I think Plan B, implementing that, has been the right approach and also being absolutely focused on the vaccination programme."
Mr Javid noted "getting to over 75% of eligible adults boosted is fantastic" but insisted "we still need to get through to that other 25% and that can really make a difference in how this country gets through this pandemic".
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