A piece of pre-quarantine life is coming back next month with AMC announcing their plans to start reopening 450 cinemas on July 15th. They hope to have all of their theaters open by July 24th with the upcoming blockbuster releases of Disney’s live-action ‘Mulan’ and the anticipated Christopher Nolan sci-fi epic ‘Tenet’. So how exactly is this movie-going experience going to be different with safety in mind due to COVID-19?
Initially AMC said on Friday they would not require guests to wear face masks but the backlash on social media was massive, they reversed course and will now require masks in their theaters when not eating or drinking. You can buy a mask at the theater for $1. Those who do not wear a mask will not be let in or allowed to stay. Other theater companies like Regal and Cinemark who are also reopening soon,are going to require masks as well.
AMC employees will undergo regular temperature checks, and will be required to wear masks. If they get sick, they will still get paid.
According to comingsoon.net, here are the regulations in AMC theaters going forward:
–Every auditorium will be cleaned between each showtime with enhanced hard surface disinfection including doors, handrails, recliner buttons, and tray tables. There will be extra time allocated between showtimes to allow a full, thorough cleaning of each auditorium.
–Auditorium fixtures and seating areas will be disinfected nightly using electrostatic sprayers.
–All high-touch areas including door handles, stanchions, service counters, handrails, escalator rails, benches, and restroom fixtures will be routinely disinfected. Self-service Freestyle machines will be sanitized routinely, and sanitation stations with sanitizing wipes and/or hand sanitizer will be provided immediately nearby for guest use.
–Disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer will be found throughout theatres for guests.
–Products used for sanitation and disinfection at AMC are EPA approved for use against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens including COVID-19.
–FDA approved hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the theatre for associate and guest use.
–The circuit is recommending that guests use AMC’s online ticketing and mobile app for ticketless entry. For guests who would like to purchase their tickets at the theatre, AMC has Automated Box Office machines.
