After months of closures as a result of the coronavirus, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas initially announced that they would reopen their doors in July. However, both companies recently delayed their reopenings to August. AMC stated that it will reopen its U.S. locations in “mid to late August.” According to Regal’s statement, the reopening of its theatres will begin on August 21st.
Upon reopening, both movie theater companies will require employees and guests to wear face coverings. Employees at Regal and AMC will undergo temperature checks prior to each shift and will be required to wash their hands routinely.
To provide a more sanitary environment, hand sanitizing stations will be available and enhanced cleaning procedures will take place.
According to Regal’s website, “employees will sanitize every auditorium and seat after each movie using new electrostatic ‘fogger’ equipment.” Additionally, high-contact points will be sanitized “on an increased schedule” and floor markings will be placed throughout the building to promote social distancing.
AMC will utilize electrostatic disinfectant sprayers and vacuums with HEPA filters throughout the building, according to the company’s website. Moreover, “HVAC filters have been upgraded to MERV 13 wherever possible.” AMC will install directional signs and reminders to help guests practice social distancing and understand the new procedures.
Where required by state or county mandate, Regal will reduce auditorium capacities to 50%. At Regal theaters that utilize a seat reservation system, two empty seats will be maintained between groups (1 seat at locations with recliners). At Regal theaters that do not use seat reservations, guests will be asked to leave two seats between groups. “Group sizes will only be limited where required by a state or county mandate.”
AMC, AMC Classic, and AMC Dine-In auditoriums “will be reduced to 30% capacity or less, based on municipality guidelines,” states AMC’s website. “In auditoriums with traditional seating, every other row is blocked off.” Guests are requested to leave an empty seat between others.
For full information about AMC’s new guidelines, click/tap here. For details about Regal’s new guidelines, click/tap here.
UPDATE (7/1/2020): AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas changed their reopening dates. This article was updated to indicate the new reopening dates.
UPDATE (7/28/2020): AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas changed their reopening dates to August. This article was updated to indicate this change.
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