(File photo/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Dynasty Twin Theatres

Minimal effects for Melfort movie theatre with latest COVID-19 restrictions

Nov 27, 2020 | 5:12 PM

The owner of Melfort Dynasty Twin Cinemas was relieved by the latest round of public health measures.

Ahead of the announcement by the Saskatchewan Government on Wednesday, Corrine Pereyma told northeastNOW she was quite nervous.

“We were kind of wondering if it was going to be shutting non-essential businesses like us down for a couple of weeks,” Pereyma said. “We were thrilled when we got the news that we were still open.”

The theatre was already running at one third of capacity which isn’t much more than the now 30 limit for performance venues.

“It wasn’t really a big deal for us, we can put 30 in each cinema,” Pereyma said. “We will be able to go along just fine and are happy that we can be open.”

preparations

Staff from gas stations, food stores, restaurants permitted to re-enter tri-communities early

8h ago

lack of tourism could ruin businesses

NDP, Northern Sask. businesses concerned about province's support

9h ago

Cockrill Convo

Highway twinning, care centre replacement highlights for Cockrill

10h ago

‘The Croods’ is opening this weekend so the staff is hoping people will still feel comfortable coming in for a showing.

Pereyma said it has been fairly quiet since the re-opening of the theatre in July so they haven’t seen too many challenges with distancing.

The biggest issue has been getting movies that really make people want to head to the local theatre.

“Things are getting shoved back because the film companies want to make their money too,” Pereyma said. “They don’t want the new movies planning at the height of a pandemic when people aren’t coming out as much.”

Seats are cleaned after each showing and a 9 p.m. attendee would never sit in the same seat as a 7 p.m. attendee.

In order to abide by social distancing guidelines, only a few people are allowed in the entrance/concession area at a time.

Similiar to restaurants, masks need to be worn upon entering the theatre and until seated.

“We just hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we certainly don’t have it any worse than anyone else,” Pereyma said.

She said they are grateful for the support they have got from people that come out for movies as well as those that come to buy popcorn to take home.

The new provincial health restrictions came into effect today and will last at least until Dec. 17 at which time they are up for review by the Chief Medical Health Officer.

–

angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser