Some US cinemas could reopen next week

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp has announced that the U.S. state will allow movie theaters, private social clubs and restaurant dine-in services to reopen on April 27th.

Gyms, fitness centers, barber shops, hair salons, and nail salons, will also be allowed to open on April 24th. Live performance venues, amusement parks, bars and nightclubs will remain closed.

Kemp says the state is on track to meet the criteria for ‘Phase 1’ of the process of reopening the state by next week. Businesses will have to observe social distancing, screen workers for illness and enhance sanitation.

However, exhibition insiders stress that it would be nearly impossible for most major cinema chains to start business back up by next week. AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark and other chains have furloughed almost all employees along with shutting down locations, so staff will not only have to be re-hired but also trained in proper safety procedures.

Cienma owners are still exploring legal issues they could face should audiences get infected with COVID-19 from going to the movies.

Georgia has confirmed 18,947 cases of COVID-19, with 733 deaths – giving it a death rate of 3.8%. However documented cases have flattened, and appear to be declining.