Caribbean Cinemas re-opened its doors Thursday at their locations in Sunny Isle, in St. Croix and Market Square East in St. Thomas, with new procedures following Department of Health guidelines.
During the past few weeks, cinema management was focused on preparing the facilities, informative systems and protocols to achieve the established requirements and measures that would provide trust to their patron, according to a press release from the company. They also say employees were trained and provided the tools needed for their protection and knowledge to effectively interact with customers.
To minimize contact areas inside the theaters, patrons will have the option to purchase tickets and concession items online. When purchasing online, patrons will receive a confirmation code that would grant access entrance after being scanned by one of the ushers and could also pick up their concession items with minimum contact and no handling of cash or debit/credit cards.
Getting temperature taken at the entrance is mandatory. Also, once inside, moviegoers and cinema employees will have to use face masks. There will be hand sanitizing stations and signs around the lobby area, and in restrooms and auditoriums. Acrylic protection shields have been installed in ticket booth and concession areas. According to the company, cleaning frequency has been increased on high contagious points, such as door handles, counters, kiosks, doors and railings.
Auditorium capacity was reduced to create social distancing by leaving seats and empty rows between parties. Additional cleaning time between shows has been added and will include disinfection of seats and cupholders, as well as railings. By the end of the movie, patrons will leave the auditorium in row order, as instructed by an usher.
In the concession area, employees must use gloves and protective gear. For showtimes and online purchases, visit caribbeancinemas.com/stthomas and caribbeancinemas.com/stcroix.
