'Nobody Told Us The Cinemas Were Closing'

Film buffs flocked to cinemas across Hong Kong on Tuesday to get a final movie in before entertainment venues are closed for at least two weeks because of the worsening coronavirus situation.

But while some were rushing to see the latest releases while they still had the chance, many in the queues for tickets said they weren't even aware that cinemas would be closing.

"I feel a bit angry with the government," one woman who hadn't heard about the closure order told RTHK.

"We don't really see an outbreak in a cinema. And actually, cinemas have been working hard to do all the measures to control all those infections," she said while queuing for film tickets in Kowloon Tong.

A student who gave her name as Tomoka said she had heard about the closures, so she was getting one last film in with a friend.

"It's like the last chance before we can go out to these places to have some time for leisure, so I think I kind of feel lucky to be honest," she said.

Tomoka added that she wasn't worried about catching Covid-19 in the cinema.

"I think Hong Kong people are really responsible in the cinema, as they don't take off their masks, and people will just keep their distance, so I think it's fine."

A man who gave his name as Ka-wai also said he felt lucky to be able to see one more film before the restrictions came into effect.

"I'm happy. I usually have to work. It's rare for me to have a day off [during the week]. I can't watch the film tomorrow, so I rushed here to watch it today," he said.