(Toronto) Cineplex on Thursday announced the layoff of nearly 5,000 part-time workers due to the mandatory shutdown of cinemas in Ontario, a move aimed at mitigating the wave of COVID-19 contaminations attributable to the Omicron variant.
Canada’s largest movie theater chain will recall its employees to work “once and for all” as soon as restrictions are lifted, spokesperson Sarah Van Lange said.
New public health measures against COVID-19, announced Monday by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have resulted in the closure of 67 Cineplex theaters, as well as concert halls, museums, galleries and other attractions.
Provincial restrictions also require restaurant dining rooms to close and a ban on the sale of alcohol in bars after 10 p.m.
These policies aim to reduce the tide of COVID-19 cases and are expected to remain in place until at least January 26.
The Toronto-based company said it would offer full refunds to customers who purchased movie tickets in advance.