The two biggest U.S. cities for movies are essentially shutting down cinemas completely and going well beyond that in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have ordered all cinemas in their respective cities to close – the first time in history that movie theaters have shuttered en masse not due to weather concerns.
Los Angeles will close cinemas, gyms, fitness centers, museums, bars and nightclubs. Restaurants must halt dine-in service and limit their business to takeout, delivery or drive-thru. The order goes into effect midnight Sunday and will run until March 31st. Grocery stores, pharmacies and food banks will remain open.
New York City is closing in-dining at restaurants (takeout, delivery or drive-thru allowed), nightclubs, cinemas, theaters, concert venues and small theater houses starting Tuesday at 9am. Public schools will also be closed at least through April 20th.
On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended public events involving more than 50 people be called off for the next eight weeks.
Source: IGN
