AMC Theatre reopens in Rockville Centre

Moviegoers returned to the AMC Fantasy 5 theater last weekend, over seven months after it was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed theaters on Long Island to reopen at 25 percent capacity, with a maximum of 50 people per screening, last Friday. Theaters across the state, excluding those in New York City, can reopen as long as long as Covid-19 infection rates in their municipalities are below 2 percent, a threshold that both Nassau and Suffolk counties  have met.

Cuomo made the announcement on Oct. 17. There are other state protocols for movie theaters that reopen:

Masks are required at all times, except when patrons are seated and eating or drinking.

Assigned seating is required.

Social distancing between parties is required.

Additional staffing will control occupancy, traffic and seating to ensure compliance.

Theaters must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards.

On Monday, the AMC Fantasy 5 was screening “The Empty Man” (R), “Honest Thief” (PG-13), “Tenet” (PG-13) and “The War with Grandpa” (PG), with two or three daily showings of each film.

“I feel awesome about going back to work,” said Jahshaun White, a manager at the theater for the past five years. “It’s been boring being at home, and I love guest communication.”

On Monday, moviegoers David Berry, of East Rockaway, and Mustafa Jackson, of the Bronx, went to the 4 p.m. showing of “Tenet” and said they were excited about their first visit to a theater since the pandemic began spreading in the U.S.

“I’ve been waiting to come back,” Jackson said. “I think the precautions are appropriate, and overall, Cuomo has done a good job making sure everything is in good condition for people to return. I’m sure it will be a safe environment.”

When guests choose their seats, two seats on all sides of them are automatically blocked off to ensure social distancing. There are additional greeters who ensure social distancing, hand-sanitizing stations are spread throughout the building, and in the snack area, employees now pour all drinks and add butter and salt to popcorn.

Cash is no longer accepted, and staff members are no longer ripping tickets. Instead, guests place tickets on a stand, and an employee marks each one with an X, all in the interest of avoiding unnecessary contact.

Theater doors will be left open before showings so guests do not touch door handles. And each theater, including all seats and handrails, is cleaned and sanitized in between screenings.

AMC theaters in Glen Cove, Huntington, Levittown, Stony Brook and Westbury have also reopened. The Regal Lynbrook is open as well, along with other select Regal locations on Long Island.