After almost a year of the COVID-19 induced shutdown, Oswego Cinema 7 has announced its reopening. Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed for the reopening of theaters outside of New York City on Oct. 23, but Oswego Cinema 7 remained closed.
Conrad Zurich, the owner of Oswego Cinema 7, explained that the main reason for remaining closed was due to the lack of first-run films. The movie theater also had to prepare for COVID-19 restrictions and set up guidelines for patrons to follow to ensure their safety.
On March 11, Oswego Cinema 7 announced on its Facebook page that it would reopen the next day. The post encouraged people to purchase tickets ahead of time and reminded patrons that masks and social distancing are required in the theater.
“Seating will be very limited per show, so we encourage you to purchase tickets ahead of showtime,” the Facebook post said. “Please remember to wear a mask and social distance at all times.”
Oswego Cinema 7 is also offering private watch parties. This service costs $200 and allows you to host your own private screening for up to 25 guests. It is required that interested patrons purchase this service at least 24 hours in advance.
The local movie theater has expressed its pride in the past in collaborating with CinemaSafe. According to Oswego Cinema 7’s website, it is still in partnership with the program.
“We are proud to partner with CinemaSafe,” the Facebook page said. “A program promoting protocols and guidelines developed and supported by leading epidemiologists to support a safe return to movie theaters.”
A link to CinemaSafe’s website, which provides guidelines for theaters and information based on the state for users, has been provided on Oswego Cinema 7’s website.
Theaters across the state must follow certain guidelines mandated by state health officials. These restrictions include a limit on the number of people in the theater, assigned seating and all people in the theater must be wearing a mask at all times.
On top of these restrictions that theaters must follow, counties opening theaters must have a less than 2% infection rate over the last two weeks, and the theaters must have an enhanced air filtration system that satisfies the New York state standards.
In the state of New York, indoor theaters are permitted to reopen based on their county or region and at under 50% capacity. Oswego Cinema 7 also outlines a number of rules and regulations for both employees and guests to follow. These guidelines can be found on its website and Facebook page.
“Purchasing a ticket means you will comply with our rules and guidelines,” the website said. “Violators will be asked to leave.”
Oswego Cinema 7 has one main message for customers that can be found on both its website and Facebook page.
“The intermission is over,” Oswego Cinema 7 said. “We are excited to welcome you all back.”
The Oswegonian file photo from 2020
