As coronavirus spreads to another parts of the world, the fear of world economy going into another recession cannot be rejected.

As lockdowns throughout the continent force European screens to go dark, independent cinema owners warn that their whole industry could disappear: "It's a question of 1-2 months before we see bankruptcies."

Also encouraging for local music industry workers, artists and festivals was the federal government's COVID 19 care package, announced Wednesday.

WITH Prime Minister Andrew Holness's announcement on Monday that bars, nightclubs, pubs, and other related facilities be closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Jamaica, media consultant Clyde McKenzie says players in the entertainment industry, will suffer a major financial blow.

The firm says the pandemic "will materially weaken Disney's operating and credit profile over the near term."

That number represents about 80% of the 150,000 members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, according to the IATSE. Leaders of the International Cinematographers Guild, which has about 9,000 members and operates as IATSE Local 600, made the disclosure about the IATSE estimate in a message to members as part of its most recent weekly newsletter.

If the situation continues in April and theatres stay closed, the losses will reflect in quarters two or three. Films will either clash or release within a short gap of one or two weeks.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees is organising the distribution of ration and basic materials of daily needs to the needy members of all its affiliates.