Movie theaters in California could start to reopen this week after months of being shut down due to coronavirus concerns. In March, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, causing civilizations around the world to take extra security measures against the aggressive virus. Leading to closed theme parks, restaurants, and businesses, coronavirus took a massive toll on movie theaters and caused financial hardship on popular movie theater chains.

As of late, U.S. states are gradually lifting lockdown orders, leaving movie theaters to workshop how to reopen amid the pandemic. Despite a vague timeline on when movie theaters would officially unlock its doors, blockbuster films, such as Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Disney’s live-action Mulan, have slated release dates for July. Recently, officials estimated that 90% of movie theaters could reopen by next month, leaving theaters owners to configure guidelines to meet the standards of health officials. Earlier this week, California Governor Gavin Newsom gave the green light for schools, casinos, and movie productions to resume business. Now, it appears movie theaters could be the next venue to reopen.

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Per THR, cinemas in California are allowed to reopen on June 12. Reportedly, movie theaters are expected to adhere to proposed guidelines during hours to operation to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These guidelines include limited theater capacity to 25 percent or no more than 100 attendees, face masks to be worn by patrons when entering and exiting, and restructuring of seats to maintain physical distance between attendees of different households.

Movie theater

While California has doled out the blessing for movie theaters to reopen, the state has tacked on a list of recommendations to enforce safety. California advises that movie theaters should implement a reservation system, provide disposable or washable seat covers, and prop open doors to prevent people from touching handles. As it stands, California has declared that movie theaters could open on June 12, however, the local health officer in each county decides when a business can reopen. As of this writing, it is still unknown when movie theaters in New York will be allowed to reopen.

Despite glimmers of hope that businesses could safely reopen, it also remains to be seen what lasting impacts the coronavirus has created. Undoubtedly, moviegoers have missed the wavering smells of popcorn and camaraderie of seeing a film with fellow audience members. However, coronavirus is still a prevalent concern, and movie theaters reopening at this point could be a precarious move if safety measures aren’t followed. Enforced guidelines will create some differences in the movie theater experience, but will no doubt allow guests to safely enjoy a film.

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Source: THR