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This piece has been updated with new information concerning nationwide plans to reopen movie theaters this summer.
That was in late June.
But those plans were scuttled as COVID-19 continued to spread across the country, and the death toll rose.
Should I Go to a Movie Theater Right Now?
It seemed there was a flattened curve, and then all of a sudden, were going up again.
So these guys are going to open theaters when we have an increase of infections?
The chainsinitial reluctanceto require face masks on all guests, however, had Lahita concerned.
Youd have to be nuts not to wear a mask, he says.
Youre with a group of strangers.
Theres no question about it.
You know how the air is in a theater: Its not circulated very well.
If you dont wear a mask, you take your chances.
But Why Are Only Some Theaters Reopening?
It is one ventilation system.
You are seated there for a long period of time.
It is not an essential locale, Lahita agrees.
Should I Eat Concession-Stand Food While Im at the Theater?
Thats comparable to [eating from] a buffet in a restaurant, Lahita said back in June.
The servers should be wearing a mask, no question about it, he says.
Are Private Screenings Safer?
Lahita thinks this is a smart option for wary would-be moviegoers.
You dont have to worry there.
And you know your friends, presumably, right?
You know who is and isnt infected.
How Much Safer Is a Drive-in Movie Theater?
It is perfectly safe, provided you do not leave your car, Lahita said in June.
You would have to stock your car with food and drink.
In the summer you would have to leave the windows down, or keep the engine running for air-conditioning.
With windows down, your neighbor could infect you, although thats unlikely.
How Do I Handle the Bathroom Situation?
Theaters likeAMCandCinemarkhave promised copious sanitizer distribution throughout their buildings, but Lahita warns that handwashing will remain necessary.
check that you wash them thoroughly with soap and water, and everything should be fine.
Should I Clean My Own Seat?
In promoting their pending reopenings, theaters havemade muchof their intensified cleaning protocols.
Does some of this fall into that category?
I dont think thats a realistic worry.
The data now shows that cloth seats and plastic seats dont make a difference, he explains.
The virus doesnt live for very long on any of these fomite kind of things.
So thats not a big concern.
Will Theater Reopenings Contribute to a Second Spike in Infections?
Is this pushing it?
Well, I dont want to see the movie industry die.
So if everybodys going to the movies, it could spike reinfection rates.
But there are no easy answers, he insists.
Theres that small percentage thats of great concern.
Bottom Line: How Safe Is It to Go to a Movie Theater This Summer?
But Lahita feels that as long as theaters employees and moviegoers are acting responsibly, it can be done.
But the [other] people in the theater should be at least two rows apart.
Nothing is 100 percent safe, Lahita adds.
Plus, the people onstage are screaming, yelling, singing …
This may actually be the first time that orchestra seats arenota good idea.
But if you go without a mask?
Its like Russian roulette.
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