Cinemas across England will be allowed to reopen from 17 May as per the four-phase lockdown easing plan announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier today.

Schools are set to open on 8 March as part of Phase 1 and outdoor gathering of upto 6 people will be allowed from 29 March.

Phase 2, effective from 12 April, involves opening non-essential retail stores, sports facilities, and allow upto 30 guests at weddings and funerals.

The “rule of six” will eased on 17 May as part of Phase 3, “if the data allows”. Cinemas, theatres, hotels and sporting events are set to open at this stage and up to 10,000 people will be allowed into stadiums to watch live sports.

On 21 June, a review of all social distancing measures including “work from home” will be carried out and will potentially see all legal limits on social contact removed. The “rule of 30” on weddings and funerals is set to be reviewed and removed on this date. The final closed sectors of the economy including nightclubs are expected to open as well as part of the final phase.

Shares of multiplex cinema chain Cineworld shot up by 10% in the wake of the announcement.