Italian movie theaters are set to close shop again, following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Europe, According to Deadline. The country closed cinemas towards the end of February earlier this year before greenlighting a return in June. However, theaters will be shut again as of Monday, October 26.
On Sunday, the country's Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, announced that restaurants and bars are to discontinue daily service from 6 pm, starting Monday. Cinemas, live theaters, gaming halls, and discos will be shut down completely.
Italy is keen on avoiding another lockdown, having been one of the European nations hardest hit by the coronavirus back in March. The Italian government was the first to implement a strict shutdown thereafter and they would prefer it if things do not return to the way they were earlier this year.
Saturday saw the country record 19,644 new cases and 151 deaths, the former being a new daily high.
Meanwhile, Spain has approved a new national state of alarm and will implement a nationwide curfew which will run from 11 pm to 6 am. This comes after France placed a 9 pm to 6 am curfew on a number of areas last week.
Spain's state of alarm came into effect this Sunday and it is believed it could last until May 2021. The curfew, however, is for two weeks, although subject to extension, and cinemas will remain open.
Italy hosted its Venice Film Festival in September, which could be considered a success under the circumstances. The outing served as an example for international industry gatherings amid the current climate but still paled in comparison to previous years.
Source: Deadline