Since China’s cinemas reopened on July 20, they have been operating at 30% capacity. They have had to follow strict COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures and screenings have been capped at 120 minutes running time.
However, many cinemas will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity just in time for the blockbusters to hit screens this weekend. In addition, customers will be allowed to buy beverages and snacks, yet there will be no interval for films that run longer than 120 minutes.
As of Aug 11, more than 70% of cinemas have resumed operation. The new rules have been introduced to help the industry recover faster and have been accompanied by local governments offering millions to the film industry and using livestreaming to sell tickets.
