Last night, the Trump Administration announced a 3 Phase Plan to reopen the United States after the coronavirus shutdown. These guidelines are relatively flexible and how quickly businesses open will depend on the state they are in. For example, businesses in New York, an area that has been ravaged by the epidemic, will most likely open later than businesses in Wyoming, a small state with almost no cases, despite both being in Phase One.
Under these guidelines, the administration states that “LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.” Most likely, movie theaters will be half full, with empty seats in-between people to satisfy the CDC’s social distancing guidelines. Additionally, theaters that are permitted to re-open will have rigorous cleaning processes in-between showings not seen before.
This potential return to stability is a welcome sign for moviegoers and workers in the industry. It will be interesting to see what theater attendance looks like, even in healthier states like the aforementioned Wyoming. If you do go to the theaters, make sure to bring a mask and have sanitizer on hand. If you’re in a state that isn’t opening as quickly or are still not comfortable with going to public venues, there are plenty of VOD options for safer, at-home entertainment.
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