The two largest theatre chains in the country are taking steps to keep moviegoers safe.
AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas have announced they are taking steps to make sure their customers are at minimal risk of being infected by coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. With the viral infection having been declared a pandemic this week by the World Health Organization, both chains have released statements saying they will limit the number of seats sold by 50 percent.
For instance, in a theatre with 200 seats, only 100 seats would be sold so that customers are able to have appropriate space around them.
They also announced they will undertake "enhanced theatre cleaning" of contact surfaces, while ensuring that any employee who feels sick remains at home.
With more than 1,000 theatres across the country, AMC is the largest chain in the United States. They wrote in a statement: "As the industry leader, AMC is taking aggressive, nationwide steps to provide additional space between guests within all its U.S. theatres, to keep its theatres clean and to discourage those with health concerns from coming to its theatres."
Regal, the second-largest chain, released the following statement: “The health and safety of our customers and staff is very important to us. We are continuing to follow and monitor official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health organizations.
"As the situation surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, we are prepared to respond and ensure that Regal provides safe venues for our employees and our guests. We are paying extra attention to cleanliness practices with some of the following steps:
*Educating our staff on prevention
*Emphasizing frequent and proper hand washing
*Cleaning high contact points more frequently
*Providing hand sanitizing soap in all restrooms
*Working with local health authorities
Additionally, we have reduced auditorium capacity by 50% and are complying, where applicable, with state mandates on social gathering limits. We welcome moviegoers into our theatres!”
When Met. Theatre cancelled March performamces will be cancelled movie on 03/18/20 and if so will be available refund for March and April? Thanks.
Ok, under other circumstances this might be picky, but if ticket sales are reduced by 50%, if there are normally 100 people in the theater, 75 would be allowed in, not 50. That’s a big difference (really!) for people who want to avoid catching a virus. I am serious. I am also right with the math.
Theaters are automatically refunding tickets for cancelled performances. Please check your credit card bill when it arrives. If you purchased tickets at the box office, pls return to the theater for your refund. Hope this helps!
I have seen that the showing of Riverdance has been canceled in other cities. Is the Indianapolis showing on 3-15-2020 canceled?
Theaters are automatically refunding tickets for cancelled performances. Please check your credit card bill when it arrives. If you purchased tickets at the box office, pls return to the theater for your refund. Hope this helps!
Wanted to see I Still Believe. Will you be open Wednesday March 18. @ 4:30 for showing?
Planning to see "I Am Patrick at AMC Niles 12 Theater, Niles, IL tomorrow, 3/17/20. Will the theater be open for attending??
Is evo cinema in new braunfels closed??
Hi Kevin, as of today, Evo in New Braunfels is open. Sorry Lourdes, all AMC Theatres are closed. Debbie, not sure which theater you are enquiring about, can you tell us the theater name and which city it is in?