When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, it saw every major movie theater chain temporarily suspend operations. Now that the economy is slowly starting to open back up, movie theaters are looking to get back in business as well, including the giant Cinemark chain. Of course, Cinemark is going to need to take some steps to ensure customer safety when it does reopen, though these measures won’t include forcing customers to wear masks.
Cinemark has confirmed that it will not make customers wear masks as part of its phase 1 of reopening, currently scheduled for June 19. It is speculated that this decision was made because it would discourage moviegoers from purchasing concessions. All Cinemark movie theater employees will be required to wear masks as part of phase 1, however.
Cinemark will be implementing some new rules when it reopens, which will include social distancing at the box office and concession stands and new cleaning protocols. Attendees will also be able to distance themselves from others when seated in the theater, which would mean that movie theaters will be operating at a limited capacity.
While Cinemark will be entering phase 1 of its reopening on June 19, the real test to see if people are ready to return to the theaters will come in July. Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is scheduled to premiere on July 17, while Disney’s Mulan will premiere on July 24.
Source: IGN
