Layoffs as theatres closed in Ontario

With Omicron numbers surging, Canada's largest movie chain, Cineplex, has temporarily laid off nearly 5,000 part-time employees. The closure of its Ontario movie theatres was mandated by the provincial government in response to the surge of the Omicron variant. The provincial restrictions also require restaurants and bars to halt indoor dining

With the theatres operating at reduced capacity, unable to offer food, drinks and popcorn, it is hard to imagine that the theatres were pulling in anywhere near the mone they were in pre COVID days. Food, dring and popcorn are big money maker for theatre chains.

When it reopens its theatres, movie goers will almost certainly have to present proof of vaccination papers, wear a mandatory mask while in the theatre complex and all seats in each auditorium will most likely be by reservation only.

COVID-19 is becoming the gift that keeps on giving.