It’s official, the United States’ largest cinema chain AMC Theatres announced on Monday that it will close all theaters nationwide for approximately 6-12 weeks in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision came as governors of a dozen states announced closures of movie theaters on Sunday and Monday while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued strict guidelines limiting public gatherings.
AMC had sought to remain open by limiting theaters to 50% capacity but with the CDC cutting the recommended limit on gatherings to just ten people, they had no choice.
The closure will go into effect on Tuesday, but AMC says it will “remain flexible on reopening, in accordance with CDC recommendations and governmental directives.” The chain also says it will pause A-List subscriptions with no billing or payments for the duration of the closure.
AMC is one of the last of the major U.S. chains to shutter following Regal, Cineplex, Landmark and Alamo Drafthouse all closing their doors. Cinemark remains open in some locations.
It isn’t just the States that’s shutting down cinemas either as the three biggest UK cinemas chains – Odeon, Cineworld and Picturehouse – along with the BFI Southbank complex are all closing their doors immediately. Smaller arthouse chains like Everyman, Picturehouse and Cineworld are also closing.
Source: AMC
