Some states have already talked about re-opening movie theaters right after next week when restrictions on COVID-19 imposed lockdown are lifted. However, not all of the multiplexes will re-open amid fears of a fresh surge of coronavirus infections.

According to CBR, the National Association of Theater Owners released a statement which said that they will not “fully return to normal operations” yet. This is in response to measures from state governments, which had just allowed movie theaters to operate again as early as next week.

Some movie theaters have already been viewing lockdowns as a setback; this latest decision proves yet another hurdle needed to be overcome, as locations have been forced to shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19 among moviegoers and the community.

According to the association's statement, the group is weighing their opening options based on the availability of movies, most of which had been postponed or have been canceled entirely. This will result in a theater that’s open, but with no movie to play, which makes it not economically feasible.

A lot of cinemas may not be able to open again as well, due to the economic problems brought about by the lockdown due to the pandemic. ABC 7 News reported that some, however, are looking at the shutdown in a positive light, believing that they will be able to properly bounce back once everything goes back to normal.

The group also acknowledged that this could be the new normal once the lockdown is lifted — lesser crowds and fewer packed houses. Local theaters believe that they’ll be able to ride this out, though. Some have taken to upgrading their facilities while under lockdown. Others have also taken advantage of rent and billing holidays.

Others belonging to the Theater Association have opted to remain closed for the near future, given the lack of new movies to even show. Some movies, like “Frozen 2,” had been released earlier than anyone expected. Other movies, like the latest “Fast and Furious,” have been postponed while there are some, like the new James Bond movie, that might head directly to video.

The US Justice Department signaled it plans to end the Paramount Consent Decrees, which bar major film studios from owning movie theaters
The US Justice Department signaled it plans to end the Paramount Consent Decrees, which bar major film studios from owning movie theaters AFP / FREDERIC J. BROWN
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