Movie Theaters In France To Reopen With Strict Curfew Measures Amid Pandemic

The French government has decided to reopen the movie theaters to the public once again as the country gears up for the lifting of the lockdown restrictions in a planned manner amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the government is creating a plan to lift the nation’s strict coronavirus restrictions and allow the movie theaters to reopen for the moviegoers starting Dec. 15, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The strict curfew measures will remain in place, meaning the theaters would remain closed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

However, places such as restaurants, cafes, and bars will continue to stay closed until January.

The decision of partially taking off the restrictions has been taken after the country saw a drop in the number of infections. France witnessed 9,155 new cases and 592 deaths in the last 24 hours.

While addressing the nation on Tuesday, Macron said that the peak of the second wave is “over” and he is delighted that people supported him by staying indoors. The president also explained that the nation should come together and do “everything in power” to avoid a third wave, which could be far more dangerous.

Macron also urged the public to protect their loved ones by wearing masks on a daily basis.

“We have slowed the spread of the virus, but it is still very much present. If we do not want to undergo a third confinement tomorrow, we must redouble our vigilance: protect our loved ones, especially the most vulnerable, by wearing a mask, including at home when we are with friends or with relatives who do not live with us on a daily basis,” Euronews quoted Macron, as saying.

The last big movie to release in France was Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” The film enjoyed a strong debut and earned $6.7 million during its opening weekend amid the ongoing global health crisis.

Meanwhile, Variety recently reported that the highly anticipated film “Wonder Woman 1984” is scheduled to hit theaters in France on Dec. 16. Warner Bros. rolled out the film’s worldwide release plan and placed the country as one of the those where moviegoers will get to see the superhero flick before Christmas.

France has had over 2.1 million cases so far. The nation has also reported 50,327 deaths due to the virus.