Movie theaters drop mask mandate for vaccinated customers

Three major movie theater chains announced Friday that they are dropping their mask mandates for vaccinated moviegoers.

AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas all said that while social distancing and cleaning measures will remain in place, fully vaccinated customers will be able to shed their face masks.

“In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated,” AMC said on its website. “If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theater unless actively enjoying food or drinks.”

“With rapid improvements in COVID-19 case rates, increasingly widespread vaccinations, and recent CDC guidance that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or socially distance, the movie theatre industry will continue to meet or exceed state and local public health guidelines,” said Regal.

State and local guidelines vary based on local conditions and vaccination rates. 

The change comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance saying that fully vaccinated people can essentially resume normal habits and do not need to social distance or wear masks in most settings. 

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second of two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot.