UK told to stop going to cinema

PM urges people to avoid non-essential contact due to coronavirus

by Amber Wilkinson

Onward is one of the titles that has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak
Onward is one of the titles that has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak Photo: Disney/Pixar

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of new measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic this afternoon - including urging everyone to avoid visiting theatres and social venues, including clubs and pubs.

Although the announcement fell short of a ban, he said: "Now is the time to stop all non-essential contact with others."

He added: "You should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres and other such social venues."

At the moment, most of the cinemas in the UK remain open, although Showcase introduced "social distancing" measures at the weekend and the ICA in London has suspended operations.

Box office numbers have already been hit by the Covid-19 outbreak, which saw revenues from recent releases, including Onward and The invisible Man, slashed by around half.

It was announced earlier that all cinemas in New York City will close from tonight.

Share this with others on...
News

Having the final say Sinéad O’Shea on Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story

Band of brothers Petra Seliškar on capturing a way of life in the Macedonian mountains

For all your supernatural elimination needs Interview with Claire Bueno about Cleanin' Up The Town: Remembering Ghostbusters and her book

Keeping the spaghetti flying Michelle Danner on family life, Ang Lee and making The Italians

Talking to strangers Tracie Laymon on laughing at pain together and Bob Trevino Likes It

Punching through the glass ceiling Chee Keong Cheung and Ioanna Karavela on new opportunities for Women In Action

More news and features

We're bringing you news, reviews and more from Visions du Réel and Fantaspoa.



We're looking forward to Queer East.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival, South by Southwest, the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance, Palm Springs and DOC NYC.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

More competitions coming soon.