Film Buffs, Rejoice — New York City Is Reopening Movie Theaters

After nearly a year of shutdowns, NYC’s film scene can start to rebuild.

Start saving up for that overpriced popcorn, ASAP. On Monday morning, Governor Cuomo announced that starting March 5, theaters will be allowed to open with 25% capacity and a maximum of 50 people.

“Theater owners are pleased with the announcement that New York City movie theaters will be allowed to safely reopen,” said a statement from the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO). “Stringent voluntary health and safety protocols have made it possible for cinemas across the country to operate safely and responsibly at higher capacity limits for many months without a single outbreak of COVID-19 being traced to movie theaters.”

This announcement follows the October reopening of New York movie theaters outside the city. In addition, Cuomo allowed stadiums like Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center to open Tuesday with limited capacity.

After being closed for nearly a year, reopening will help theater owners get back on their feet after taking a financial blow from the pandemic.

“New York City is a major market for moviegoing in the U.S.” said NATO. “Re-opening there gives confidence to film distributors in setting and holding their theatrical release dates, and is an important step in the recovery of the entire industry.”

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