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| After Backlash, AMC Says Masks Will Be Required in Theaters | After Backlash, AMC Says Masks Will Be Required in Theaters |
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| AMC Entertainment Holdings said on Friday that moviegoers would be required to wear masks at the company’s theaters when they reopen next month, reversing its position a day after comments by the chief executive prompted a backlash from customers. | AMC Entertainment Holdings said on Friday that moviegoers would be required to wear masks at the company’s theaters when they reopen next month, reversing its position a day after comments by the chief executive prompted a backlash from customers. |
| “As we reopen theaters, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theaters,” the company said in a statement. | “As we reopen theaters, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theaters,” the company said in a statement. |
| One of AMC’s major competitors, Regal Entertainment Group, also reversed its policy on Friday and said it would require masks. | One of AMC’s major competitors, Regal Entertainment Group, also reversed its policy on Friday and said it would require masks. |
| The reversals came a day after Adam Aron, AMC’s chief executive, said in an interview with Variety magazine that masks would not be required, and that the company made that decision because “we did not want to be drawn into a political controversy.” | The reversals came a day after Adam Aron, AMC’s chief executive, said in an interview with Variety magazine that masks would not be required, and that the company made that decision because “we did not want to be drawn into a political controversy.” |
| “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary,” he told Variety. | “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary,” he told Variety. |
| Mr. Aron had also said that AMC Theaters, the largest movie theater operator in the world, would not perform temperature checks on patrons, a practice some businesses have adopted to screen for fever related to the coronavirus. The company had already announced this month that patrons might be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks but that face coverings would be mandatory for all employees, a point that Mr. Aron reiterated in the interview. | Mr. Aron had also said that AMC Theaters, the largest movie theater operator in the world, would not perform temperature checks on patrons, a practice some businesses have adopted to screen for fever related to the coronavirus. The company had already announced this month that patrons might be encouraged, but not required, to wear masks but that face coverings would be mandatory for all employees, a point that Mr. Aron reiterated in the interview. |
| The company on Friday acknowledged “an intense and immediate outcry” from customers that made it clear “that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks.” It said it would supply a mask for $1 to any customer who did not have one. Those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay, it said. | The company on Friday acknowledged “an intense and immediate outcry” from customers that made it clear “that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks.” It said it would supply a mask for $1 to any customer who did not have one. Those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay, it said. |
| The backlash was evident and swift on social media soon after the Variety story published on Thursday. | The backlash was evident and swift on social media soon after the Variety story published on Thursday. |
| “How is public health ‘political?’” one person wrote on Twitter. | “How is public health ‘political?’” one person wrote on Twitter. |
| “Then I’m out!” appeared on another Twitter account. “You should be protecting your customers. Follow the science.” | “Then I’m out!” appeared on another Twitter account. “You should be protecting your customers. Follow the science.” |
| Regal also reversed course and said it planned to require employees and customers to wear masks in theaters when they open next month. The company, which had previously said it would require that masks be worn only in jurisdictions that required them, said disposable masks would be made available to customers who need them. | Regal also reversed course and said it planned to require employees and customers to wear masks in theaters when they open next month. The company, which had previously said it would require that masks be worn only in jurisdictions that required them, said disposable masks would be made available to customers who need them. |
| “Our current mask policy is to mandate for both employees and guests,” Ken Thewes, chief marketing officer for Regal Entertainment Group, said on Friday. “Our ultimate goal is to create a safe environment for our guests and employees. This is a change to our previous policy on masks based on feedback received from our customers.” | “Our current mask policy is to mandate for both employees and guests,” Ken Thewes, chief marketing officer for Regal Entertainment Group, said on Friday. “Our ultimate goal is to create a safe environment for our guests and employees. This is a change to our previous policy on masks based on feedback received from our customers.” |
| Alamo Drafthouse Cinema said on Friday that it would require masks in its theaters, saying the safety of patrons and workers could not be compromised. “This is not political,” the theater chain said in a tweet. | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema said on Friday that it would require masks in its theaters, saying the safety of patrons and workers could not be compromised. “This is not political,” the theater chain said in a tweet. |
| Cinemark, another major competitor, says on its website that while it strongly encourages people to wear masks, it will not require them except in places where they are mandated by the local government. | Cinemark, another major competitor, says on its website that while it strongly encourages people to wear masks, it will not require them except in places where they are mandated by the local government. |
| Updated June 22, 2020 | Updated June 22, 2020 |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| The decision not to wear a mask in public has, for some, become a symbol in a fight against what they see as attacks on their personal freedom. Enforcement has often fallen on retail and other front-line workers, and some of them have gotten hurt. | |
| A conservative activist who is an ardent supporter of President Trump’s was barred from flying on American Airlines on Thursday, one day after he had been removed from a plane because he refused to wear a mask on board. | A conservative activist who is an ardent supporter of President Trump’s was barred from flying on American Airlines on Thursday, one day after he had been removed from a plane because he refused to wear a mask on board. |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California, retweeted a message from Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Thursday evening stating that Californians were required to wear masks in public. The tweet also said: “The science is unanimous — if we all wear masks, we slow down the spread and can reopen safely. It’s not a political issue. Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read.” | Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California, retweeted a message from Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Thursday evening stating that Californians were required to wear masks in public. The tweet also said: “The science is unanimous — if we all wear masks, we slow down the spread and can reopen safely. It’s not a political issue. Anyone making it a political issue is an absolute moron who can’t read.” |
| AMC said Thursday that it would open about 450 of its United States theaters on July 15, with auditorium capacity capped at 30 percent (or less, where mandated by local health officials). Another 150 locations will reopen by July 24 to coincide with the release of Disney’s live-action “Mulan,” the first big-budget movie scheduled to come out of Hollywood since March. | AMC said Thursday that it would open about 450 of its United States theaters on July 15, with auditorium capacity capped at 30 percent (or less, where mandated by local health officials). Another 150 locations will reopen by July 24 to coincide with the release of Disney’s live-action “Mulan,” the first big-budget movie scheduled to come out of Hollywood since March. |
| Mr. Aron said in the Variety interview that AMC had chosen not to rush to reopen. | Mr. Aron said in the Variety interview that AMC had chosen not to rush to reopen. |
| “There were some jurisdictions in some states, such as Georgia and Texas, that allowed people to reopen theaters in mid-May,” he said. “We opted to remain closed, so we could give the country time to get a better handle on coronavirus.” | “There were some jurisdictions in some states, such as Georgia and Texas, that allowed people to reopen theaters in mid-May,” he said. “We opted to remain closed, so we could give the country time to get a better handle on coronavirus.” |
| Christine Hauser, Mihir Zaveri, Gillian Friedman, Neil Vigdor and Brooks Barnes contributed reporting. | Christine Hauser, Mihir Zaveri, Gillian Friedman, Neil Vigdor and Brooks Barnes contributed reporting. |