CNN brings word that Regal Cinemas, owned by Cineworld Group, will begin reopening theaters next week with plans to have all movie theaters open by July 10.
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“We are thrilled to be back and encouraged by recent surveys that show that many people have missed going to the movie theater,” CEO Mooky Greidinger said in a statement.
The company added that Cineworld’s “main priority remains the health and well-being of both our customers and colleagues” amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They reportedly plan to update their booking system to ensure social distancing, are adapting daily screening scheduled to avoid crowds, and are enhancing cleaning procedures.
Cinemark is also reopening theaters soon, beginning this Friday in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and the company has revealed more details about its new safety protocols, according to Deadline. The chain’s reopening will take place over four phases with additional locations reopening on July 3 and July 17.
A few of the safety guidelines and procedures unveiled by Cinemark include:
–Employees will undergo extensive training prior to reopening and will wear face masks and gloves while working, in addition to a complete wellness check-in prior to each shift.
–Each theatre will also have a designated Chief Clean and Safety Monitor on duty to ensure the highest standards of safety, physical distancing, cleanliness, and sanitization.
–Moviegoers are being encouraged to purchase tickets online and use a contactless payment method, eliminating the need for paper tickets.
–Cash payments are no longer accepted at food-handling areas, but each multiplex will have a designated area where cash will be accepted, and gift cards will be available.
–All public and high-touch spaces, such as concession stands, door handles, drink stations, self-ticketing kiosks, benches, and restrooms will be thoroughly sanitized every 30 minutes using products identified by the EPA to be effective in eliminating COVID-19.
–Each auditorium will be disinfected every morning, and all handrails and occupied seats, along with those on either side, will be sanitized between showtimes.
–All theaters will reopen with reduced operating hours and staggered showtimes to maximize physical distancing.
–Moviegoers will be provided with seat wipes and ample hand sanitizer for use throughout theaters.
–Auditoriums will have limited capacities that meet or exceed local ordinances and the seats adjacent to parties will be automatically blocked upon ticket purchase.
–Guests are highly encouraged to wear face masks and Cinemark will adhere to local laws that require residents to wear face masks in public.
–Cinemark is employing new tactics to increase the fresh air intake to enhance the overall air quality of their venues and using High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing (HEPA) filtration in all vacuums.
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“There is nothing quite like the awe and power of great cinematic storytelling on the big screen, and Cinemark is proud to once again welcome guests to enjoy the shared, immersive experience they crave in a way that provides them confidence and peace of mind,” said Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi in a statement. “While Cinemark already takes significant precautions to ensure the health and safety of our employees, guests, and communities, we have developed The Cinemark Standard for an extra level of cleaning and sanitizing that guests will notice from the moment they walk back through our doors. Our teams are trained, prepared and eager to once again entertain movie lovers in an environment that cannot be replicated in-home.”
