UPDATE October 11, 2022

As of September we have returned to full capacity in the auditorium. We continue to encourage patrons to wear a mask when you visit the Garneau, and to consider staying home if you are not feeling well – tickets bought in advance are able to be exchanged for a future screening if you contact us with your booking information.

 

UPDATE March 18, 2022

Metro has remained committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees and customers since the early days of the pandemic.

The safety of our staff is paramount, and we must now also consider the risk associated with enforcing vaccine requirements and mandatory masks. Without government support, we no longer have the resources and tools to continue these policies.

We strongly recommend that every eligible person should get vaccinated against COVID-19, and we strongly encourage all of you to continue to wear a mask when you visit the Garneau. Reduced capacity, enhanced cleaning measures, and social distancing remain in effect. Masks are available to all, free of charge.

To those who willingly protect the community around you and have acted with kindness and support, we thank you.

 

UPDATE February 16, 2022

Metro reopens to the public for in-person screenings beginning on February 18.

Following recent government announcements, Metro Cinema has decided to continue requiring proof of vaccination for customers, staff, volunteers, and guests in the building and continues to operate at a reduced seating capacity.

We continuously monitor the situation and will regularly evaluate these decisions over the coming weeks.

 

 

UPDATE December 23, 2021

Metro is implementing a temporary closure from December 23, 2021, to January 9, 2022. Advance purchased tickets will be refunded.

During a time when all Albertans are recommended to reduce personal interactions, we feel that this is a responsible decision, despite the disappointment caused by these cancellations.

 

Thank you for your support, and we wish you a safe and restful holiday season.

 

 

UPDATE December 22, 2021

Effective immediately, Metro Cinema’s seating capacity will return to a maximum of 30%. Recent government announcements do not require any changes to the operation of venues our size. Out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily reducing capacity to allow increased social distancing at the Garneau.

We continue to follow all standards outlined in the Restriction Exemption Program, and proof of vaccine requirement is extended to staff, volunteers, and guests in the building.

 

UPDATE December 1, 2021

Metro Cinema’s capacity has been increased from 30% to 50% of capacity, which is in line with other organizations in our community.

We continue to follow all standards outlined in the Restriction Exemption Program, and proof of vaccine requirement is extended to staff, volunteers, and guests in the building.

 

UPDATE September 15, 2021

Following recent government announcements, Metro Cinema’s safety measures will continue as outlined below.

As of September 20, 2021, we are including the standards outlined in the Restriction Exemption Program in our safety plan.

 

UPDATE September 8, 2021:

As of September 20, 2021, attendance of all events at Metro Cinema will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test (within 72 hours) upon entry.

Please arrive at the cinema with your proof of COVID-19 vaccination and government-issued photo ID ready. Note: no information will be scanned, stored, or shared.

Q. What type of proof of vaccination will be required?

We will accept ‘hard copy’ vaccination papers/certificates/cards, as long as your full name is clear and visible, and matches your government issued photo identification.

Photographs of your ‘hard copy’ vaccination papers/certificate/card as long as your full name is clear and visible, and matches your government issued photo identification.

Immunization records on apps such as: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/myhealthrecords or any other Provincial, Territorial or Federal application. Please note: these applications may take several weeks to upload your immunization records.

Q. Where can I get tested for COVID?

Contact your local pharmacy for rapid testing information.

Q. What about my children under 12?

As children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination, they are exempt from this requirement.

Q. Who should I contact with further questions or concerns?

info@metrocinema.org.

 

 

UPDATE June 29, 2021:

With the removal of Alberta restrictions on July 1, Metro remains cautious and optimistic for the future. At this time, we plan to maintain our limited capacity below 30%, our seating plan layout with social distancing in place, and we continue to require face coverings for staff and customers, except while seated in the auditorium enjoying concession snacks.

Our staff are important to us, and their comfort and safety while dealing directly with the public is our first priority. We want to be sure that each of them (and each of you) has the opportunity to get the protection of two vaccine doses before we remove or reduce safety measures. These extended efforts are temporary, and we hope they make our reopening permanent. If we continue to work together for a little longer, we will get through the last leg of this journey safely.

Thank you all for joining us in this abundance of caution, and we can’t wait to see you back at the Garneau.

 

 

Our auditorium is now arranged to accommodate crowds just below 30% capacity, with seats clearly marked for use and no-use. The modified seating plan includes individual, couples, and family seating areas for households that are spaced at a minimum 2m social distance. All the seats are cleaned after every use. It is a safe and spacious way to enjoy a film or live show with your household or designated close contact. If you wish to attend a screening with those outside of your household, you may seat yourselves in separate seating areas.

In order to protect both staff and patrons, we have adopted the following health and safety measures:

 

Enhanced Cleaning:

• Increased disinfecting of touch points at concession, box office, and lobby
• Increased disinfecting of seats/cupholders in the auditorium between screenings
• Increased disinfecting of washrooms

Concession/Box office

• All Metro staff will wear non-medical masks while on duty
• Plexiglass barriers at customer service counters
• Cashless and tap payment options
• No self-serve items at concession (ie: straws)
• Social-distancing of two metres is required for concession and box office line ups

Lobby

• We encourage patrons to not gather in the lobby, but to continue straight through to the auditorium before the screening and to leave quickly following the presentation.

Auditorium

• We have a modified seating plan that ensures safe social distancing. Every second row has been closed and the remaining seats have been divided into socially distanced “seating groups.” Please sit at a location of your choosing with members of your household or cohort and be sure to select a location separate from other groups. 
• Please do not sit in the taped off seats.
• Green marked seats are available for seating.

 

Mask Usage

• Metro staff are required to wear a non-medial mask while on duty.
• For the safety and comfort of our staff and guests, we ask that all guests please wear a mask while at our concession, box office, washrooms, and while passing through our lobby. While seated in the auditorium, we encourage you to continue wearing your mask, except while enjoying your concession snacks.
• If you arrive without a mask, our staff will provide you with one. Please consider bringing your own to help us keep expenses down.