As Georgia begins reopening its movie theaters following closures due to COVID-19, new rules are being revealed to help keep social distancing in place. Since mid-March, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted a number of states to implement stay-at-home orders and social distancing, discouraging large group gatherings and closing down a number of businesses in the process. Among these closures were schools, restaurants, most offices, and even movie theaters. The closure of the latter has even prompted a massive shift in the entertainment industry, as many films have delayed their theatrical releases or gone straight to a digital release instead.
Although some movie theaters have chosen to remain shut down until July, some of them are opting to reopen right now instead. In Georgia, a number of businesses have already started opening their doors again to the public. As of right now, restaurants, salons, gyms, and theaters in the state have begun reopening, but with new rules set in place to keep up social distancing.
Per WSB-TV, Governor Brian Kemp explained that all businesses reopening "must put strict, protective measures into place to protect employees and patrons." Most of these businesses all have similar rules, including "screening patrons for fever at the entrance, limiting occupancy, implementing heavy sanitation routines and staggering employee work stations." Signs must also be placed at entrances that state how patrons experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can't enter at all. As for movie theaters, they are only allowed to reopen if, "parties are seated at least six feet apart" with no party exceeding more than six people. Along with this, tape must be "applied to floors at ticket counters to keep people at a safe distance," "employees must clean every seat, armrest, door handle, handrail and doorknob before and after each showing," and ushers "will help enforce social distancing."
Movie theaters have taken quite a hit because of the coronavirus, with some even nearing financial bankruptcy. The world's largest theater chain, AMC Theaters, was even forced to furlough many of its employees due to the financial struggle they faced almost immediately after closing. Although these companies are hopeful to reopen early this summer, outside of Georgia right now, it's unlikely all states will follow suit anytime soon. It's a tricky situation to navigate, as the virus has proven to be an unpredictable and formidable foe to the public.
Even studios have taken to preparing for the long-term effects of coronavirus. Many have already moved their upcoming releases to later dates or gone straight to a digital release, even halting a number of productions currently in the works, but there's also the matter of simply encouraging people back into movie theaters and public locations in general. The virus has already taken a massive economic toll on the industry, especially with these theater closures, but it's certainly having a long-term impact on society as well. Even though Georgia's new rules are a good way to slowly get people back into movie theaters while maintaining social distancing, it's still a fairly complicated and risky move to make right now.
Source: WSB-TV