Cinemark Reopens 4 Washington Theaters Friday

BELLEVUE, WA — Cinemark will reopen four Puget Sound movie theaters Friday, under newly relaxed guidelines that allow for more indoor activities. On Monday, seven counties in two regions reached Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington plan, restoring indoor dining and entertainment at 25 percent capacity for about half of the state's population.

Here are the four theaters that will reopen in Western Washington on Feb. 5:

• Cinemark Lincoln Square Cinemas
  • 700 Bellevue Way NE, Lincoln Square North Tower
• Century Federal Way and XD
  • 2001 S. Commons, The Commons at Federal Way
• Century Point Ruston and XD
  • 5057 Main Street, Tacoma
• Century Olympia
  • Westfield Capital, Olympia

While the state has recorded good progress in decreasing coronavirus rates in the new year, health officials urge continued vigilance to tamp down transmission, especially with the recent arrival of a more contagious variant. Indoor spaces can present a much greater risk of infection, especially in crowded areas with poor ventilation.

In an effort to alleviate the dangers, Cinemark said each theater will implement the following precautions:

• Each auditorium will be extensively disinfected between showtimes using products identified by the EPA to be effective in eliminating COVID-19.
• Theatres will have staggered showtimes and limited capacities to maximize physical distancing.
• Seat-Buffering Technology will automatically block seats adjacent to a party upon ticket purchase.
• Face masks will be mandatory for all guests within the theatre and may only be removed for eating and drinking in the auditoriums. Face masks and gloves will be required for all employees.
• Cinemark is raising the fresh air rate by adding refresh and replace cycles and utilizing supply fans to increase the total volume of fresh, outside air flowing into our theatres.
• All public and high-touch spaces will be thoroughly sanitized regularly.
• Ample supplies of seat wipes and hand sanitizer will be available for customer use.
• Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and use contactless payment methods for a more contact-free experience. With that, cash payment options will be limited.

In addition, Cinemark said employees will participate in "extensive training," and wear face coverings at all times on duty. Each property will designate a safety monitor to ensure standards are met. For groups that want to limit their group to a trusted group, private watch parties can be booked for $99 - $149 per screening.

New releases include "Wonder Woman 1984," "The Little Things," "News of the World," "The Marksman" and "The Croods: A New Age." The list of classics features "Anchorman, Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Legally Blonde" and "Groundhog Day."

Advance tickets are on sale for all four theaters via the Cinemark website and its app.