Helsinki, Europ Brief News – AVI’s decision on a possible easing of restrictions on cinemas and other interiors will come on Monday. Finnkino is ready to open its theatres next Friday.
The Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Corona Coordination Group, recommends to the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland that 50 people could be admitted to indoor seating events.
The Helsinki Metropolitan Area Covid Coordination Group recommends to the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland (AVI) that 50 people could be admitted to indoor seating events. Avi will say on Monday whether it will relax the restriction proposed by the coordination group.
If that happens, cinemas in the metropolitan area could reopen their doors. Similarly, small concerts or theatre performances could be organized.
Hannele Wolf-Mannila, Finnkino’s commercial director, tells Yle that if AVI eases the restrictions on Monday, the chain’s cinemas could be opened in the Helsinki metropolitan area next Friday.
“We are currently making plans, and we are working to open cinemas by the end of the week,” Wolf-Mannila says.
In theory, the doors could be opened as early as Tuesday, but it would be not easy in practice.
“Opening is the sum of many things. Matters concerning personnel in particular need to be discussed with them,” Wolf-Mannila says.
Finnkino has had the opportunity for private screenings throughout the restrictions, and that opportunity will be valid next week as well.
Wolf-Mannila: “Restrictions felt unfair”
According to Wolf-Mannila, restrictions on cinemas have sometimes seemed unfair – especially since the Department of Health and Welfare has stated that going to the movies is a low-risk event.
“Still, cinemas have been severely restricted throughout the Corona period compared to other activities and businesses. In addition, people’s jobs and the earnings logic of the entire film industry are at stake here,” Wolf-Mannila mourns.
“The situation has also been complicated because restriction decisions have usually come at concise notice.”
“Now we have a positive expectation, and we hope to get good news on Monday.”
