According to Variety, AMC Theatres (America’s largest movie theater chain) has closed its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak for at least 6 to 12 weeks. The chain attempted to remain open by at first only selling 50% of each screening, then by limiting each showing to 50 tickets sold in accordance to the CDC’s social distancing recommendations. However, now that the CDC guidelines have cut the recommended limit on gatherings to just 10 people the theaters have no choice but to close.
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“We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and for our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines that Americans should not gather in groups larger than 10 people make it impossible to open our theatres,” CEO Adam Aron said in a statement. “Still, the health and wellbeing of AMC guests and employees, and of all Americans, takes precedence above all else. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theatres in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities.”
AMC, which operates 634 locations in the U.S. and Canada, also stated that they would “remain flexible on reopening, in accordance with CDC recommendations and governmental directives.” Those enrolled in their A-List ticket subscriptions will receive no billing during the hiatus.
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The company is joined by Regal, Cineplex, Landmark and Alamo Drafthouse in closing their doors in order to quell the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
ComingSoon.net recommends all readers comply with CDC guidelines and remain as isolated as possible during this urgent time.
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