Despite mass event cancellations across Canada and all over the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cineplex says they'll remain open while implementing "all appropriate measures to ensure venues are safe."

President and CEO of Cineplex Ellis Jacob released a statement earlier today to provide an update on the company's response to the outbreak.

Our Response to COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/hI38uUCWfZ

— Cineplex (@CineplexMovies) March 12, 2020

"First and foremost, I want to assure our guests that we are taking all appropriate measures to ensure our venues are safe and that we have existing plans and training protocols in place to ensure they stay that way," Ellis said in the statement.

"While the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the current public health risk associated with coronavirus as low, we continue to monitor for developments very closely."

He said additional measures being implemented to ensure safety include enhanced cleaning protocols and increasing communications and reminders with guests, partners and employees on important health and safety measures. 

Ellis also said they're asking that anyone feeling unwell refrain from visiting a Cineplex theatre. 

"Know that we are doing our part by putting employment policies in place so that our hourly staff are protected and are not penalized financially if they need to stay home," he added. 

Cineplex's decision to remain open amid the outbreak is contrary to what we're seeing in most other industries and areas, including sports, music, film, business and more.