Cineplex to keep theatres in new orange regions closed

Cineplex says it will not reopen some of its Ontario movie theatres after the province introduced new COVID-19 capacity restrictions.

The decision was made “from a financial perspective” after Doug Ford unveiled the COVID-19 restriction system on Tuesday.

That system places health units in colour-coded categories depending on their caseload and transmission levels.

The company says any theatres that are in the new orange zone won’t reopen.

Under the new guidelines, theatres in the orange zone will only be able to admit 50 people into the facility.

Ottawa, Peel and York region are expected to move into the orange zones on Saturday, loosening restrictions slightly from the current modified Stage 2.

Toronto is expected to move into the orange zone one week later.

Hamilton, Brant and Halton are expected to be put into the yellow zone, while Niagara and Haldimand-Nofolk are expected in the green zone.