After almost one year closed, movie theaters can officially reopen in NYC starting next week!
As reopening efforts continue throughout the city, movie theaters are the next to be added to the list. Governor Cuomo announced the news today (Feb. 22), in a press call with reporters. Multiple writers first Tweeted about the news, and the Governor followed, though there isn’t an official press release on the state website as of yet.
It will be with a 25% capacity requirement, and an overall maximum of 50 people, with other safety rules in place.
NEW: Movie theaters in New York City can reopen on March 5 at 25% capacity, with no more than 50 people per screen.
Assigned seating, social distancing and other health precautions will be in place.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) February 22, 2021
Not only is it good news for New Yorkers who love snuggling up with some popcorn and the latest release on a quiet Sunday afternoon, but also for small independent theaters that have such a rich history in the city — like the Film Forum in Greenwich Village or Angelika Theater in SoHo.
Movie theaters were ordered to close when the city shut down for the first time in mid-March of last year, and hadn’t been allowed to reopen since then, though neighboring states like New Jersey reopened them at 25% capacity in September.
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