Movie Theaters and COVID: AMC, Regal, Cinemark Rules Against CDC Guidelines

After the escalation of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the closure of companies throughout America, and the delay of the major tent pole versions for spring and summer, new movies are finally coming to theaters. But while chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are reopening, COVID-19 remains a major problem in many parts of the United States and around the world.

That with big blockbusters like that Tenet en New mutants set to be shown exclusively in theaters – and more underway in the fall – what is the current risk of seeing a film?

As with everything in life in uncertain times, the answer comes to a personal choice made by an informed decision. At Polygon, we will continue to cover weekly theatrical releases only to the extent that our writers feel comfortable, but will not require anyone to attend a general screening in a movie theater in cases where studios could not provide screening options. We encourage our readers to follow guidelines provided by the CDC, health authorities and theaters to determine if turnout is for them.

Here’s what you need to know before deciding if you want to see a movie in theaters.

COVID-19 news and numbers per state

Although many states are in various stages of reopening, the US is still dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. Some states, especially in the northeast, have managed to reduce new cases and infection rates to manageable numbers, but across the country the virus continues to rise, with new research suggesting that people can carry the virus without catching the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a daily update on reported cases across the United States, which may be further disrupted by state and county.

Whether or not movie theaters can open themselves also depends on the state in question – and sometimes even the city. Of the 44 states with open cinemas, each has a different set of guidelines. All of them adhere to the minimum guidelines for social distance of six meters apart, but whether that means from six meters apart on a group or group basis or six meters apart for all individuals depends. A spreadsheet published by the National Association of Theater Owners continuously updates the restrictions on state-by-state.

Guidelines for safety of movie theater

Photo: Noam Galai / Getty Images

While each state has a different set of guidelines to adhere to, the CEOs of four of the largest theater chains decided to band together and impose a universal set of rules on their theaters. Known as CinemaSafe, the program now has 350 participating theater chains (the full list is available on the CinemaSafe website). You will know that a theater adheres to the CinemaSafe guidelines when it displays its logo.

CinemaSafe’s guidelines – which use chains such as AMC, Regal, Alamo Drafthouse and Cinemark – are broad, leaving room for differences between state- and city-specific mandates. At the very least, a CinemaSafe theater will set the following rules:

• All employees will wear masks. Protectors must wear masks – except as “noted by the CDC and herein.” Those who do not wear face mask will be denied access.
• Appropriate social distance should be maintained, except for those who attend together.
• Theaters will have reduced capacity (again, not specified, probably by individual state guidelines).
• All HVAC systems will operate with increased ventilation.
• Employees will often wash their hands.
• Hand cleaner with at least 60% alcohol will be placed in easily accessible areas.
• Auditoriums will be disinfected between film versions.
• All staff will follow training to identify possible symptoms of COVID-19.
• Concession sales will be done with minimal cash transactions. Everything in common – soda machines, spices, etc. – will be eliminated.
• Ticket sales will be available online as soon as possible to reduce lines.

While masks are required in lobby areas of CinemaSafe theaters, it varies from chain to chain and state to indicate whether they will be required in real auditoriums. Many theaters say that masks can be removed during food and drink concessions during the film. Whether anyone in a theater staff will check mask use during a movie is unknown.

What the CDC says about coronavirus

The Disease Control Center has a handy guide on the safest way to complete many activities, including going to the library, getting groceries, and checking mail. There is no specific guideline for cinemas, however, in general when it comes to group activities, the CDC asks you to consider the following risks:

• Is COVID-19 expanding in your area?
• Will you come in contact with a sick individual or with someone without a mask (who may be an asymptomatic carrier)?
• Do you have an increased risk of complications with COVID-19?
• Are you taking proactive action to protect yourself from the virus?
• Do you have personal symptoms?

If you decide to go out, the CDC recommends prioritizing outdoor activities over indoors, avoiding toilet areas, and keeping at least six feet of space between yourself and others. If you feel sick, the CDC advises you to stay home.