It’s business as usual for cinema giant Nu Metro as they put stringent measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons against COVID-19.
National Operations Executive at Nu Metro, Andries Basson, told the media via an official statement that they will continue trading despite the coronavirus pandemic but will be adhering to strict health and safety cleaning protocols.
The company took to social media to spread the news with one post stating, “In addition to nightly deep cleaning to disinfect all hand-contact surfaces, our cinemas are increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting all high-touch point areas throughout the day. Door handles, ticket counters, as well as service counters, are being disinfected every 30 minutes during business hours.”
Their official statement said: "Certain hygiene protocol steps had already been taken including the placement of hand sanitizers in cinemas and minimizing staff in periods when they are not required. The Executive Committee and leadership team are encouraging social distancing inside the cinema, by ensuring that two seats be left empty between each booked seat. These buffer seats are not displayed on our booking systems and are thus unavailable for other guests to purchase. In addition, cinema capacity for each show will be capped at 100. We are proceeding with scheduled programming.
Nu Metro also stated on their website that in addition to these safety standards and procedures, “We are closely monitoring daily updates and recommendations from the World Health Organisation and South Africa’s Department of Health. Our commitment and responsibility toward customers have never been stronger as we face the COVID-19 pandemic together. Your safety, as well as the safety of our team members, is our highest priority.”
Virgin Active is another company that has decided to keep its doors open despite the government urging people to avoid "workouts and gyms". The global fitness brand said it would make sure that attendance was restricted to less than 100 members at a time.
