NYC Movie Theaters To Reopen At Limited Capacity, Cuomo Says

NEW YORK, NY — The next feature presentation in New York's reopening from the coronavirus crisis will be the city's movie theaters, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

The governor said Monday they will be allowed to reopen in early March with the same guidelines that have been in place in other parts of the state, where theaters have been open since October.

The reopenings — likely on March 5 — will require 25-percent capacity limits, assigned seating, mandatory masks and enhanced air filtration standards. Only 50 people will be allowed per screening, Cuomo said.

March will also see new guidelines for weddings and catered events, as well as billiard and pool halls, which successfully sued Cuomo's administration.

Weddings, catered events and billiard halls will be allowed at 50-percent capacity.

For weddings and catered events, there will be a maximum of 150 people per event. Patrons will be required to get a test prior to the event, wear masks except when eating and drinking and give their information for contact tracing, Cuomo said.

"Anyone who wants to get married — no excuses," the governor joked.

The governor also said he will respond to President Joe Biden's school reopening plan by asking schools to tell the state how many teachers have been vaccinated and how many are doing in-person teaching. The data will inform the state's approach to schools moving forward.

"We need clarity on that," Cuomo said. "Opening schools is very important."

New York's coronavirus rates continued to drop this week, with the seven-day average positivity rate standing at 3.52 as of Monday.

In New York City, the positivity rate was the highest in the Bronx, at 5.7 percent, and lowest in Manhattan, at 2.7 percent.