Movie theaters and COVID: AMC, Regal, Cinemark rules vs. CDC guidelines - Polygon

After the escalation of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the shutdown of businesses across America, and the delay of major tentpole releases slated for the spring and summer, new movies are finally coming out in theaters. But while chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark are reopening, COVID-19 continues to be a prevalent issue in many parts of the United States and around the world.

So with big blockbusters like Tenet and New Mutants set to exclusively hit theaters — and more on their way throughout the fall — what is the current risk of seeing a movie?

As with everything in life during uncertain times, the answer boils down to a personal choice made by an informed decision. At Polygon, we will continue to cover weekly theatrical releases only to the extent in which our writers feel comfortable, but will not require anyone to attend a general screening at a movie theater in instances where studios were unable to provide screening options. We encourage our readers to follow guidelines provided by the CDC, health authorities, and theaters to determine whether attendance is right for them.

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

COVID-19 news and numbers by state

Though many states are in various stages of re-opening, the U.S. is still dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. Some states, particularly in the Northeast, have managed to lower new cases and infection rates down 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 illness. The Center for Disease Control keeps a daily update of reported cases across the United States, which can further be broken down by state and county.

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

Movie theater safety guidelines

Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images

While each state has a different set of guidelines to adhere to, the CEOs of four of the biggest theater chains decided to band together and instill a universal set of rules across their theaters. Known as CinemaSafe, the program now has 350 participating theater chains (the full list is available on the CinemaSafe website). You’ll know a theater is adhering to the CinemaSafe guidelines if it displays its logo.

The CinemaSafe guidelines — which chains like AMC, Regal, Alamo Drafthouse, and Cinemark are using — are broad, leaving room for discrepancies between state- and city-specific mandates. At the very least, a CinemaSafe theater will institute these following rules:

• All employees will be wearing masks. Patrons must wear masks — except when “noted by the CDC and herein.” Those who do not wear a face covering will be denied entry.
• Appropriate social distancing must be maintained, except for those attending together.
• Theaters will have reduced capacity (again, not specified, probably due to individual state guidelines).
• All HVAC systems will be working with increased ventilation.
• Employees will be frequently washing their hands.
• Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will be placed in easily accessible areas.
• Auditoriums will be disinfected between movie screenings.
• All employees will undergo training to identify possible symptoms of COVID-19.
• Concessions sales will be done with minimum cash transactions. Anything communal — soda machines, condiments, etc — will be eliminated.
• Ticket sales will be available online whenever possible to reduce lines.

While masks are mandated in lobby areas of CinemaSafe theaters, it varies from chain to chain and state to state whether they will be required in actual auditoriums. Many theaters say that masks can be removed while eating and drinking concessions during the movie. Whether anyone on a theater staff will monitor mask use during a film is unknown.

What the CDC says about coronavirus

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

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

If you do decide to go out, the CDC recommends prioritizing outdoor activities over indoor ones, avoiding restroom areas, and keeping at least six feet of space between yourself and others. If you are feeling at all sick, the CDC recommends staying at home.

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