SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is permitting move theaters to re-open their box offices on Friday.
The governor announced that theaters are allowed to welcome patrons on Oct. 23 at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people viewing each screen. Only counties that have a COVID-19 positivity rate below 2% on a 14-day average are allowed to unveil their theaters. This does not include New York City.
The latest update from New York State shows Onondaga County’s positivity rate at 0.7%, which would allow the county to open its cinemas.
Customers are forced to wear masks into theaters, and are only allowed to remove them when eating or drinking. Social distancing mandates must be followed. Patrons will have to reserve their seats prior to entering the theater.
Movie theaters are responsible for providing additional staffing to limit the amount of people entering the building, along with ensuring customers follow proper health and safety guidelines. Theaters are required to adhere to all air filtration, ventilation and purification standards.
The following counties will not be allowed to re-open movie theaters on Friday:
- Allegany
- Broome
- Cattaraugus
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Cortland
- Greene
- Orange
- Rockland
- Schuyler
- Steuben
- Tioga
