Movie Theaters in New York City & Los Angeles Ordered to Close Because of Coronavirus

All movie theaters in New York City and Los Angeles have been forced to closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have ordered on Sunday (March 15) that all movie theaters in their cities to close amid the global crisis.

Mayor de Blasio‘s order also includes the closure of nightclubs small theater houses, and concert venues. Restaurants, bars and cafes will be limited to food delivery and take-out only. The closures will take effect at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

Mayor Garcetti order also includes gyms, bowling alleys, bars, nightclubs and arcades. Grocery stores, food banks and pharmacies will remain open, but he’s also ordering restaurants to close, but will allow take-out service and deliveries.

“This is not a decision I make lightly,” de Blasio said in a statement via THR. “These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality. We will come through this, but until we do, we must make whatever sacrifices necessary to help our fellow New Yorkers.”

Earlier on Sunday, it was announced that the box office faced its 21-year low in sales because of the coronavirus.