We are beginning to see the “reopening” of America take place. As the White House turns over regulation enforcement and implementation to the various states, we’re seeing some, such as Texas and Georgia, begin to allow for non-essential businesses (like movie theaters) to reopen their doors. But in a new survey (via THR), it doesn’t seem like the general public is that quick to rush back to the big screen experience.
The survey was conducted over the period of April 22 to April 26 and found that only 22% of those Americans surveyed would visit a movie theater within the first month if a state chooses to reopen non-essential businesses early. However, if those early openers implement seat sanitation and social distancing, that percentage improves to 49% and 45%, respectively. Basically, people aren’t going to risk the movie theater experience unless businesses take it seriously. Despite what our government often clearly thinks, the American public isn’t completely stupid.
If a movie theater waits until a state has passed all the White House guidelines (a multi-phase plan that would take at least six weeks for a state to pass), then 53% say they would return in the first month if there is seat sanitation and 51% say they would return if there’s social distancing.
And for those people wondering how movie theaters would handle facemask requirements, it appears the American public supports the use of protective wear. 44% of those surveyed said they would be more likely to return to a theater if they were allowed to wear a face mask and the White House guidelines were met. Needless to say, concession sales are likely going to suffer, huh?
Obviously, this is an unprecedented situation, with the theater owners trying to figure out the best way to reopen their doors in a timely manner. The general goal seems to be having the majority of American cinemas reopened by July, so that they can welcome the first post-COVID-19 blockbuster, “Tenet,” on July 17. That being said, it’s still unclear if people are going to risk going to theaters even in July, and if so, what type of guidelines are they expecting from the theater owners.
Until the first theaters begin to reopen their doors, we’ll just have to see how it all plays out.