With the country easing a number of its COVID-19 restrictions and hoping to restart the economy, going to the theatres will soon be something you can do again. Perfect timing if you’re looking to watch Christopher Nolan’s latest time-bending epic. To do so safely through, there need to be some rules in place – even if you’re willing to go out at all – and after Ster-Kinekor revealed their moviegoing requirements last week, Nu Metro has released their plan to lure back film patrons.
Taking a much more restrictive approach than Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro will only be opening up 16 of its flagship cinemas during this time and even then, only for the weekends and on public holidays, within the 22:00 curfew that remains in place in Level 2.
The company has posted the following rules online (via Business Insider) with regards to some of the changes they are making to protocols to ensure customer safety and social distancing during this time, including some changes to how popcorn and beverages are dispensed:
Online bookings on Nu Metro’s website are encouraged, but on-site purchases will be made at self-service terminals, box office and catering counters.
There will be at least a 1.5 metre distance between booked seats, and two seats will be blocked between customers. However, a maximum of two customers can sit next to each other in an auditorium.
Popcorn seasoning shaker will be replaced by sealed, disposable sachets.
Cinema capacity will be limited to 50 patrons per screening room, and time between
The cinema chain is also adhering to the usual government rules on gathering limits, but it’s nice to see that they have been willing to make several changes which should be even better for customers willing to brave the theatres.
And for those patrons who have previously enjoyed watching movies in style and making use of Nu Metro’s VIP services, they will still be able to enjoy the regular bar- and sit-down restaurant services, including the consumption of alcohol. Please don’t drive home afterward, if you do intend to have a pint or two before showtime.
As to which of the 16 theatres they are choosing to open, you can find the full list below:
Gauteng
- Hyde Park
- Emperors Palace
- Clearwater Mall
- The Glen
- Westgate
- Pretoria
- Menlyn Park
- Woodlands
Western Cape
- Canal Walk
- Worcester
KwaZulu-Natal
- Ballito Junction
- Cornubia Mall
- The Pavilion
- Galleria, Amanzimtoti
Port Elizabeth
- Boardwalk
Bloemfontein
- Loch Logan
Limpopo
- Masingita Mall, Giyani
Last Updated: August 25, 2020
Iskape
August 25, 2020 at 08:34
There aren’t many blockbusters coming out to justify a visit to the cinema. It will be interesting to see what they show.
Original Heretic
August 25, 2020 at 09:04
They should have screenings of older movies. Like the LoTR trilogy.
HvR
August 25, 2020 at 09:56
Seems to be working for the new drive-ins popping up. Want to go to Hillcrest as soon as they a movie I want to rewatch and matches up to open evening.
Kervyn Cloete
August 25, 2020 at 11:00
I’m so bummed. Every time the two drive-ins in my area has had movies scheduled that I really want to see, either I wasn’t available or the event got rained out.
Original Heretic
August 25, 2020 at 09:04
PE Boardwalk? That place has become a ghost town. More than half the shops there are now permanently closed down.
The D
August 25, 2020 at 09:20
I am legit surprised to hear that the Boardwalk Nu Metro is still open.
Gavin Mannion
August 25, 2020 at 10:23
Seems like a bad idea only opening on weekends and public holidays, just means more people pushing for a smaller time…. Obviously they are doing it to cut costs but the only way I’d go to a cinema right now is….
actually no, nothing would make that okay right now
MechMachine
August 25, 2020 at 11:00
Anything public…..is a bad Idea. Until they find a vaccine for Covid 19. It’s our social responsibility to leave ourselves as protected as possible. But, I guess we all have our own ideas and I can’t speak for others.