'It feels amazing': New Yorkers cheer reopening of movie theaters

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City’s cinemas re-opened on Friday after nearly a year of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, an encouraging sign for the city’s residents that life in the Big Apple may start to normalize again.

Movie houses opened to 25% capacity, with no more than 50 people per screen, following New York state guidelines released in February by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“It feels amazing. It feels really good,” said one New York City resident, Alex, who declined to give his last name. “As soon as I read the movie theaters were open, I got a ticket literally 10 minutes later.”

Moviegoers must wear masks and obey social distancing rules, and are encouraged to use disinfectant wipes and sanitizers, which are placed throughout theaters.

The nearly year-long lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has hurt theater operator... (Read more)

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