UK told to stop going to cinema

PM urges people to avoid non-essential contact due to coronavirus

by Amber Wilkinson

Onward is one of the titles that has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak
Onward is one of the titles that has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak Photo: Disney/Pixar

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a raft of new measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic this afternoon - including urging everyone to avoid visiting theatres and social venues, including clubs and pubs.

Although the announcement fell short of a ban, he said: "Now is the time to stop all non-essential contact with others."

He added: "You should avoid pubs, clubs and theatres and other such social venues."

At the moment, most of the cinemas in the UK remain open, although Showcase introduced "social distancing" measures at the weekend and the ICA in London has suspended operations.

Box office numbers have already been hit by the Covid-19 outbreak, which saw revenues from recent releases, including Onward and The invisible Man, slashed by around half.

It was announced earlier that all cinemas in New York City will close from tonight.

Share this with others on...
News

Somewhere over the rainbow Arco director on how he managed to follow his dream with help from Natalie Portman

A place to belong Liam O Mochain on anthology filmmaking, hidden stories and making Abode

Bear necessities Jack Weisman and Gabriel Osio Vanden on working together and making naivety work for them in Nuisance Bear

In ascension Isaac 'Drift' Wright and Deon Taylor on climbing, spiritual development and Drift

Looking back Kei Ishikawa on memory, ambiguity and A Pale View Of Hills

Bearing witness Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman on balance and perspectives in Nuisance Bear

More news and features

We're currently bringing you news, reviews and more direct from BFI Flare and SXSW.



We're looking forward to Fantaspoa.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, the NY Rendezvous with French Cinema, the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance and Palm Springs.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest from the spring events:

GSFF 19th edition opens in Glasgow with Downriver A Tiger

Cannes Barbra Streisand to receive honorary Palme d'Or

Thessaloniki Golden Alexanders announced

Cannes Honorary Palme d'Or to be presented to Peter Jackson

Cannes Park Chan-Wook named as Jury head