Regal Cinemas has closed all of their over 500 theaters in the United States to help stop the spread of the Chinese coronavirus.
The theaters, which are in 42 states, had attempted to encourage social distancing last week by only selling tickets for half of the seats.
“Regal announces closure of all theatre locations starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as a precaution amid the current circumstances. All theatres will remain closed until further notice. Please check back soon. We look forward to serving you again as soon as possible,” Regal said in a statement posted to Twitter.
The company also said that beginning tomorrow they will be suspending all payments for all Unlimited members until they reopen.
Regal announces closure of all theatre locations starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as a precaution amid the current circumstances. All theatres will remain closed until further notice. Please check back soon. We look forward to serving you again as soon as possible.
— Regal (@RegalMovies) March 16, 2020
“It’s our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests. We value your patronage and have no doubt we will be serving you again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters,” their statement on Twitter continued.
It’s our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests. We value your patronage and have no doubt we will be serving you again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters.
— Regal (@RegalMovies) March 16, 2020
As of 2018, Regal employed 26,047 people. The theater company has not announced when they will be reopening.
Showcase Cinemas is also closing all of their theaters until April 7.
Reuters noted that theaters have normally remained open in times of national crisis in the United States, including after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and during World War II.
