Georgia made the move to reopen their movie theaters last week and while the option is there for any of them to open, they will have to follow new safety guidelines that have been revealed by the state. These measures are likely a sign of things to come for movie theaters nationwide as they look to gradually reopen their doors.
Per the states guidelines, via WSB-TV, parties attending showings at movie theaters will need to be seated at least six feet apart, and no party can be larger than six people. This will heavily limit theater capacity, which was expected to be a major part of allowing theaters to open up again. Ushers at the theaters will be required to help enforce social distancing protocols and tape will need to be placed on floors at ticket counters to keep people at a safe distance from one another. Additionally, employees will be required to clean every seat, armrest, door handle, handrail and doorknob before and after each showing (honestly, this is what should've been happening on a regular basis anyway).
Even though Georgia did give permission to movie theaters to reopen, most remain closed. It will take time to re-hire laid off employees and train them to follow the new safety precautions. Major chains such as AMC, Regal and Cinemark, as well as the Alamo Drafthouse, are choosing to stay closed for the time being & AMC recently explained that they won't be opening up again until there are big, new movies to show, and that won't be until July at the earliest when Christopher Nolan's TENET arrives on the 17th of that month. For now, smaller theater chains will likely be the first to open and they'll be the testing example for how these new safety measures will work.
I honestly think all of these measures will be taking up these measures as well and I wouldn't be surprised if some theaters go the grocery store route and add plexiglass at the concession stands to further ensure the safety of their staff and the public. This is essentially the new normal and something we'll have to get used to moving forward once we start going back to the movies.
Will YOU feel comfortable enough to go to the movies again with these safety measures in place?