Staffer Tests Positive, Jacob Burns Film Center Delays Reopening

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — Fourteen months into the pandemic, the coronavirus is still able to disrupt and disappoint: The many fans of the Jacob Burns will have to wait another two weeks for the film center to re-open.

Learning late Wednesday that one of their staff members had tested positive for coronavirus, and much of the staff had been exposed, JBFC officials made the difficult decision to postpone the long-awaited reopening.

"Immediately we implemented proper public health measures, and the at-risk staff is now quarantined. As a precautionary measure, we are also coordinating a deep cleaning of our facilities," they said in a statement. "With the temporary reduction in staff, we made the difficult yet necessary decision to postpone our reopening."

The eager filmgoers who already purchased a ticket for a screening during the first week will receive a refund and an email from customer service.

The updated plan is to reopen May 12. Officials will soon release an updated schedule of upcoming films, including a 24-hour advance Member Pre-Sale for the first week of screenings. Read about their safety measures.

"While this is disappointing news for all of us, especially our dedicated Theater team, we will soon be together once again," they said. "This delay has not dampened our enthusiasm, April showers will bring May movies and we will continue to discover new films — together."