Regal Pinnacle re-opens
“Godzilla vs. Kong” is the main theatrical attraction for opening day as of press deadline. According to the Regal Cinema’s website, additional theatres will be opening in the weeks ahead.
“Regal continues to work closely with the relevant authorities and safety measures will be constantly monitored and adjusted according to the requirements,” noted a statement on the website. “We have also reviewed our plans with an infectious diseases expert, who stated that ‘Regal Theatres’ reopening plan is consistent with the safety practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for operating public event spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.’”
Company officials further noted their dedication to safely reopening its theaters by noting the following stipulations and conditions:
• Regal employees — Regal employees will undergo daily health screenings, including temperature checks where mandated; will be required to wash hands at minimum every 30 to 60 minutes, dependent on job role; and will be required to wear masks.
• The concession stand — Along with the ability to purchase tickets in advance on the Regal mobile app, guests now have the ability to purchase concession items from the app when in-theatre.
Additionally, every other register will be closed to maintain social distancing; a reduced menu offering will be available temporarily; self-service condiment stands will be closed; when refilling large soft drinks or large popcorns, employees will exchange prior cups or buckets for new containers.
Locations featuring diners, restaurants and in-theatre ordering will have these services temporarily suspended, and locations with bars will remain open for walk-up service only.
The auditorium — guests are required to wear a face mask at all times while in the theatre lobby and auditoriums. This includes face shields with masks or appropriate nose and mouth coverings (i.e. gaiter).
Staff will provide masks to guests who arrive at the theatre without one. Masks can be removed only while eating and drinking while seated in an auditorium.
Further, the website stated, “employees monitor auditoriums throughout each performance as a standard practice.
“Where socially unacceptable behavior is observed, including the non-wearing of a mask, this will be addressed with the patron.”
Additionally, where required by state or county mandate, the release stated auditorium capacities will be reduced to 50 percent; fresh air intake will be increased by 50 to 100 percent above normal levels (which will help circulate more fresh air throughout auditoriums); and the company’s reservation system will maintain two empty seats between groups (one seat at recliner locations) to maintain proper social distancing throughout the movie.
In theatres where performances are non-reserved, patrons will be requested to leave two seats between groups, and group sizes only would be limited where required by a state or county mandate.
The lobby — according to the press release, “Guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while in the lobby, hallways and restrooms.
“As per our terms of admission, any guest not complying with our policies shall be asked to leave,” the release stated. “Guests will be welcome to return once they are compliant. Greeters will be located in the lobby to assist guests with new procedural changes.”
Additionally, “guests will be encouraged to proceed to their auditorium as soon as possible and exit the theatre in a timely manner at the conclusion of their movie.
“Wall-mounted sanitizer dispensers will be available on either side of the main entrance. Vending machines and water fountains will not be available for use; and where required by local governance, arcade games will be closed.”
Guest wellness — “officials kindly ask that any guest who has a fever or are experiencing any COVID-19-like symptoms refrain from coming to the theatres,” the release stated.
“If a guest has knowingly been in contact with any individuals that have been diagnosed with coronavirus, officials ask that person to self-quarantine and avoid the theatre until he/she is symptom free for 72 hours,” it further stated. “If a guest has purchased tickets and has experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19, refunds may be requested online.
