Cinema XXI and CGV theaters in Jakarta will be temporarily closed for the next two weeks, following the Jakarta’s administration declaration of emergency status.

Both chains will close their cinemas in the capital city from March 23 to April 5, according to statements received by The Jakarta Post.

On Friday, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan declared a state of emergency in the city in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We closed all tourist spots last week. Starting Monday, we'll close all entertainment venues. [...] We also urge all corporations to close down their offices and operational facilities and to arrange for their employees to work from home," the governor said.

Read also: COVID-19: Some Jakarta cinemas open, screenings postponed

Hariman Chalid, CGV’s public relations manager, advised movie-goers to keep an eye on CGV’s social media accounts and website for any updates and information. Those who wish to refund their purchased tickets can contact CGV’s call center at 021-2920-0100 or e-mail [email protected]. For those who purchased tickets via CGV’s partners, such as Traveloka, Bookmyshow and TIX ID, refunds will be made by said partners.

Hariman said the cinema also went forward with safety measures, with thermal scans on visitors, the requirement that all staff wear masks and rubber gloves and disinfection of theaters and lobbies.

Dewinta Hutagaol of Cinema XXI said on Tuesday that it reduced its show times from five to four per day. Cinema XXI has also been regularly spraying disinfectants at all 218 of its cinemas in 52 Indonesian cities since late January.

As of Friday, Indonesia's death toll from COVID-19 had risen to 32 with 369 cases reported nationwide, as the coronavirus spread to 17 of the country's provinces, half of the total 34 provinces in the archipelago. (wng)