Cineplex Inc has temporarily laid off 6,000 employees in part-time positions due to the closure of certain venues, amid a surge in COVID-19 caseloads caused by Omicron.

Coronavirus has been on the rise worldwide due to its highly transmissible form. A Reuters count showed that 36.110 infections per day were reported in Canada.

Cineplex spokeswoman Sarah Van Lange explained that due to the mandated closing of Cineplex theatres and entertainment venues across Ontario and Quebec it had decided once again to temporarily layoff its employees. Cineplex had previously taken similar measures for provincial government-mandated closures, she said.

Out of the 6,600 workers that are going out of business, 5,000 will go to Ontario.

Cinema has been among the most affected by the pandemic. Lockdowns have closed cinemas and delayed movie release at a time that the industry is trying to resist increased streaming competition. Cineworld, a British cinema operator, cancelled the planned acquisition of Cineplex in 2019.

Hollywood Reporter reported first about the lay-offs.