We've seriously missed a night at the movies and with Nicola Sturgeon having announced new dates for the reopening of leisure and entertainment facilities, it seems that a trip to the cinema is back on the cards.
Odeon cinemas in the Edinburgh will reopen from Wednesday 15 July and the cinema chain has confirmed 'comprehensive new measures' will be in place to make its picture houses Covid-19 safe.
A remastered 4k production of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back will be among the films playing, followed later in the summer by blockbusters like Mulan and Tenet.
However, a trip to the cinema is going to look really different to what it did pre-pandemic.
What safety measures are in place?
According to Odeon they'll have the following measures in place:
- Limiting the number of seats for sale for each film and guaranteeing unoccupied seats between parties to meet social distancing requirements.
- Staggering the show start times to reduce queues and operating safe queuing measures with floor markings and cinema host support.
- They'll be offering a range of pre-packaged food and drinks, with contactless till payments.
- They will no longer be accepting cash, but will increase their contactless limit to help you buy safer
- They'll have more frequent and more thorough cleaning routines throughout the cinema, with extra controls in all toilet facilities.
- Stations offering sanitising gels and wipes.
- All cinema teams have been trained on the new safety and hygiene measures.
- Colleagues will be equipped with personal protective equipment - including face coverings and gloves.
What do I have to do differently when I go the cinema?
When you arrive at an Odeon cinema, please observe social distancing at all times and avoid waiting around in public areas unless in a queue.
Wash your hands when appropriate and use their sanitising stations with our compliments
Odeon have strict guidelines for any of our colleagues who may begin to show early symptoms to stay away from the cinema - all of our guests are expected to do the same, so stay home if you feel unwell.
Follow government guidelines with regards to wearing face coverings - so don't be surprised if you're expected to wear one during the film.
Find out what films are on and book tickets at Odeon's brances at Wester Hailes, Fort Kinnaird and on Lothian Road here.
