Regal theaters close, AMC limits showings to 50 people amid coronavirus pandemic
Two of the country’s largest theater chains are taking dramatic steps amid the coronavirus pandemic, with Regal Cinemas announcing the closure of 542 theaters across the country Monday.
AMC Theatres, the largest movie chain in North America, will limit attendance at all screenings to 50 people to adhere to the CDC’s latest social distancing guidelines.
Regal’s closure will take effect Tuesday, with no date given for reopening. Regal has 7,155 screens in 42 states.
“It’s our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests,” said Mooky Greidinger, CEO of parent company Cineworld, in a statement. “At this time, we have made the difficult decision to close our theaters.”
Earlier:Movie ticket sales plunge to lowest in 20 years as a result of coronavirus pandemic
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Cinemas in New York City and Los Angeles were order closed Sunday by those cities’ mayors. Many art-house theaters have also shuttered.
Last weekend, the theater chains began to limit theater capacity to 50%.
Ticket sales plunged to their lowest levels in at least 20 years at the weekend box office for U.S. and Canadian theaters. More people went to the movies the weekend after Sept. 11, 2001, according Comscore.
