Shares in the company gained as much as 8% in London.
“We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theater,” CEO Mooky Greidinger said in a statement. The company has deferred salaries for its directors, suspended quarterly dividend payments, and said last month that it was seeking $180 million from banks and government support programs to conserve cash and remain a viable business.
“Amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, Cineworld’s main priority remains the health and well-being of both our customers and colleagues,” the company said. It said it has updated its booking system to ensure social distancing throughout auditoriums, adapted daily screening schedules to avoid crowds and enhanced cleaning procedures.
Cineworld said its scheduled opening dates were “subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government Covid-19 restrictions in certain territories.”
Cineworld provided the following opening dates:
- Unites States: July 10
- United Kingdom: July 10
- Poland: July 3
- Czech Republic: June 26
- Slovakia: June 26
- Israel: July 9
- Bulgaria: July 3
- Hungary and Romania: to be confirmed (anticipated for week of July 3)
— Frank Pallotta contributed reporting.