PHOENIX — Harkins Theatres will reopen all its Arizona locations this week, the company announced Tuesday.
The company said last week that just three theaters in the state were scheduled to reopen, but Harkins now says all Arizona locations will open Friday, Aug. 28 after an Arizona Department of Health Services statement indicated several counties will likely meet a safety benchmark by Thursday.
Harkins says they will enforce social distancing plans inside the theaters after reopening, and workers have made several health changes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Among changes for customers, seating between parties will be spaced apart, movie showings will be scheduled out to prevent crowds and concessions will be changed to be faster and more socially distant.
Movie theaters, and other densely crowded areas, have largely been closed since the pandemic started in March after several executive orders by Gov. Doug Ducey.
Since then, the state has reported significantly lower infections and deaths from COVID-19.
Even still, Ducey maintains people “are safer at home,” even as businesses work to reopen doors according to AZDHS guidelines.
Two Alamo Drafthouse locations in Tempe and Gilbert have also been approved to reopen.
AMC announced earlier this month that it would reopen 100 theaters across the country, but so far, all its Arizona locations are listed as “will reopen when local guidelines allow.”