Aussie Cinemas Are Closing 'Cause of Coronavirus and No One Is Okay

A number of blockbusters have been postponed.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Australia continues to rise, so the government has taken more extensive measures to stop COVID-19 from spreading. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also announced that from midday 23 March, all pubs, clubs, restaurants and indoor sporting venues will shut down indefinitely.

It's very strange times we're living in.

However, the restriction that really upset people? Cinemas across Australia will have to close their doors. 

It's undoubtedly tough news to hear, especially considering a trip to the cinemas is often the ideal way to wind down. On the other hand, it's important that we limit non-essential gatherings of people in public places to slow down the transmission of coronavirus.

Cinemas around the country have taken to social media to announce their closures, such as Luna Palace Cinemas in Western Australia. 

"Cinema has always been a refuge during hard times, but it's with a very heavy heart that for the safety of our community, we announce the temporary closure of our venues from tonight and into the foreseeable future," the caption read. 

Other cinemas, like Astor Theatre in Melbourne, already shut down last week. 

With cinemas closed, that means the release dates of a number of blockbuster films will be postponed.

Already we knew the upcoming James Bond film No Time To Die, which was supposed to land in theatres this April, would arrive in November. Additionally, Marvel fans will be sad to hear that Black Widow has been pushed back to an unspecified date. It was originally supposed to be released on 1 May. 

We'll also have to wait a little longer to find out what happens in A Quiet Place Part 2, with John Krasinski's film being postponed to an unspecified date as well.

Due to open this May, F9 has been delayed by nearly a year, and will now hit cinemas on 1 April 2021. At this stage, it's not clear when the delayed features Mulan, Spiral, and The New Mutants will be released. 

The release dates for films slated to arrive in April, May and June like Wonder Woman 1984, Candyman, and Top Gun: Maverick are all up in the air. On the Event Cinemas website, they're still marked to hit theatres in June, but this could change depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. 

Upcoming films like The Batman, Fantastic Beasts 3, The Prom, and the live-action Little Mermaid have all halted production due to coronavirus.

Considering these restrictions implemented by the government are unprecedented, cinemas have not been able to say for sure when they'll open for business again. 

Furthermore, cinemas like Hoyts have specified that people who have pre-booked tickets will receive automatic refunds. 

For some people, it's cemented how serious the coronavirus pandemic is in Australia.

Cinemas are closing in Australia too. Im very sorry #hollywood nothing is safe.

— John Dunn (@D4lil4m4) March 23, 2020

Others are just glad to see the government taking more action. 

If you're not quite sure what to do with all your spare time now, it might be a good idea to stream a new series or listen to some podcasts! 

Header Image: andresr / E+ via Getty Images