Sheffield's Cineworld to stay shut as chain delays cinema re-openings

Cineworld will now reopen its cinemas on July 31 - not July 10 as previously planned, delaying its return by more than two weeks.

It means Sheffield film fans will have to wait a bit longer before returning to the branch at Valley Centertainment.

In a statement the firm said: "Upcoming reopenings remain subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government COVID-19 restrictions".

Extra cleaning, staggered film start times and a focus on online booking are some of the measures cinemas will be encouraged to implement as they re-open their doors.

Cinemas in England will be able to welcome back customers from July 4, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

In preparation, the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) has released guidance for the safe re-opening of movie theatres, following consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

The advice, while dependent on any nation-specific restrictions, has been developed to ensure the continued safety of both audiences and staff, the UKCA said.

Guidance includes measures to ensure social distancing throughout cinemas, with an emphasis on auditoriums and enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures.

Plastic screens will be installed at "key contact points" and film schedules will be adjusted to allow cleaning of auditoriums between screenings and to avoid crowding in corridors.