ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Megaplex theatres reopening, with modified business operations

UPDATED: JUNE 12, 2020 AT 5:12 PM

Many cinemas are offering savory popcorn deals on National Popcorn Day . Image credit: Getty Images.

BY SIMONE SEIKALY
Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Many Megaplex movie theatres across Utah will open again on June 18. And those attending the movies will see some changes to the movie-going experience.

Most of the changes will involve Megaplex staff members. According to a statement, employees will be required to wear gloves and masks. The employees must also obtain wellness checks and they will be discouraged from going to work if they are in a COVID-19 high-risk category.

The same is true for guests who wish to see a movie at a Megaplex theatre. Citing CDC guidelines, guests who are in a high-risk category will be discouraged from seeing a movie at a Megaplex theatre.

Who has to wear a mask?

Guests will be strongly encouraged to wear a mask, and Megaplex says they will provide masks to guests upon request.

“The intermission is finally over!” said Blake Andersen, Megaplex Theatres president in a statement.

“Our team is ready. Our buildings are ready. Our technology is ready, and we are thrilled to be welcoming guests back to Megaplex Theatres.”

What kind of changes to expect at Megaplex Theatres

Fewer people will be able to sit in each auditorium, the company said. Each seat that is occupied during a movie showing will be sanitized between showtimes. High-contact surfaces and areas of the theatres will be frequently cleaned as well.

Guests can also expect social distancing procedures as well as fewer menu items in the food court.

There will be new options for paying for the movie as well as for concessions. In its statement, Megaplex said they will expand cashless payment options and that they will now officer concessions ordering via their app.

But will there be new movies?

Like many businesses, the movie industry has been greatly effected by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Warner Bros. and Disney announced production postponements and even cancelations in April.

So what will audiences watch? Megaplex says that as they wait for new Hollywood feature films, they will bring some old favorites back to the big screen. Those include “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Ring” series, “Just Mercy” and “Dunkirk, as well as musicals like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “The Greatest Showman.”

Megaplex says that new Hollywood films, including the live-action version of Disney’s “Mulan” will begin playing in their theatres around the Pioneer Day holiday weekend, the weekend of July 24.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirusis transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keepchildren and those with compromised immune systemsaway from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.