Mask, 2Gplus and empty halls: cinema boss from Wolfratshausen talks about tough pandemic times
Created: 01/26/2022, 19:56
By: Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss
Longs for normality: Cornelia John, operator of the cinema in Wolfratshausen.
© Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss
Carefree going to the cinema?
That was once.
Because of the corona pandemic, many special rules have recently applied.
In addition, there is competition from Netflix and Co. A difficult time for the operators.
Wolfratshausen – The notice with the current Corona rules is almost as much a part of everyday life for cinema operator Cornelia John as popcorn is for cinema-goers.
At the beginning of June last year, the cinema was allowed to reopen under certain conditions for the first time since the lockdown.
"We cinema operators were all so excited - and panicked as to whether we were doing everything right," Cornelia John remembers.
It started with the film "Weissbier im Blut", followed by "Kaiserschmarrndrama".
The Eberhofer thriller even topped the new James Bond film.
Mask, 2Gplus and empty halls: cinema boss from Wolfratshausen talks about tough pandemic times
But the requirements are constantly changing.
"Once we had to put up three different notices a day," reports John.
The 2Gplus rule currently applies.
"Excluded from the test obligation are those who have been boosted, as well as children under the age of 14 and schoolchildren who are already tested regularly anyway." And of course you have to keep your distance in the halls and wear an FFP2 mask - during the entire screening.
Cinemas in Bavaria: The rules hurt economically - and the guests are disappointed too
The evidence will be checked upon entry.
"That's why we don't have to open earlier," says John.
"We are only allowed to have a capacity utilization of 25 percent." A point that not only hurts economically.
"For example, if I have to turn away a mother with her child who was looking forward to going to the cinema and is now crying, that just touches me." Apart from that, Cornelia John takes her hat off to all her customers.
"It's tough what the visitors are asking for.
Despite having an appointment, one had to wait two and a half hours for a test – just as long as the Spiderman film he wanted to see ultimately takes.”
Corona rules in cinemas: the operator does not understand special treatment.
The specifications are often difficult to understand for both sides. The cinema operator immediately equipped her halls with a new ventilation system. "Now we have 100 percent fresh air and CO2 sensors." This did not bring any relief from the legal side. “We have stricter rules than in restaurants, although studies show that the risk of getting infected in cinemas is low. But on the train or on the plane you can sit close together.” In addition, many are now streaming films at home, which creates additional competition.
John hopes that the Corona situation will calm down as soon as possible and normality will return.
But as it is with wishes, the reality often looks different.
"It will probably be a little easier in the summer, but I dread the fall," she says, looking at the past few months and the increasing incidence.
"But we can't change it - only persevere."
Relaxation was decided on Tuesday.
The state government announced that in future 50 percent (instead of the previous 25) of the maximum occupancy rate in event venues may be reached.