Movie Theaters in California May Open on June 12 & Here's How it Would Work

Movie theaters in California may begin opening as early as June 12, but they’ll have to follow some strict guidelines that the state’s Department of Public Health has announced.

Theaters will have to limit the number of audience members to 25% capacity or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is less. Seating arrangements will have to be reconfigured to make sure guests are six feet away from each other, though members of the same household will be allowed to sit together.

“This may require seating every other row or blocking off or removing seats in a ‘checkerboard’ style (use each row but make sure no one is directly behind other patrons) so that distances are maintained in all directions,” the department said. “Members of the same household may be seated together but should maintain at least six feet of distance from other households.”

Guests will have to wear face coverings while entering and exiting the theaters, as well as while in line at the concession stand. Water fountains will be turned off and signs must be placed on them to say they’re inoperable.

Movie theaters across the country closed in mid-March due to COVID-19, but some have been opening up in recent weeks. There were 554 locations open last weekend, including 243 drive-ins, according to Variety.

There are no major release movies scheduled to hit theaters until mid-July when THIS blockbuster plans on being released.