March 17, 2020
In the wake of COVID-19 shock, more than 100 cinemas across the country have been temporarily closed for a short period from 16 March to 30 April, according to the public relations team of Thamada Cinema in Yangon.
“Sure, there will be no revenue due to the closedown of the cinema screening. However, it is concerned with national health. So, the cinemas have been closed. The action is to avoid public gatherings to follow the guidance released by the WHO”, said a PR officer from Thamada Cinema.
At present, cinemas in Yangon planned to screen four films in March and six in April. Depending on the situations in late April, those films will be shown in cinemas, he continued.
There are over 100 cinemas across the country, including private cinema chains Mingalar group, JCGV, Mega Ace, Paradiso and many others.
At present, Myanmar’s neighbouring China and Thailand are rushing to contain the spread of the virus, with the confirmed cases. Similarly, the COVID-19 cases in South Korea, Italy and Iran have surged and the death toll is increasing. So far, Myanmar has not found any COVID-19 case yet. As precaution measures, people are asked to avoid mass gatherings and events. The Ministry of Health and Sports and other health organizations are releasing real-time information and issuing guidance on COVID-19 for community care.—Myint Maung
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
