AMC, Cinemark and Regal theaters drop mask requirement for vaccinated moviegoers
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19? You're now free to take the mask off at the movies.
- 10 years product testing experience with the CNET Home team
In the wake of recent guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccinated moviegoers will no longer be required to wear masks at AMC, Cinemark and Regal theaters.
"In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated," AMC's website now reads. "If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theatre unless actively enjoying food or drinks."
Similar language can be found on the guest safety sections of the Cinemark and Regal websites.
"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," reads the Regal website. "Masks will not be required unless mandated by state and local guidelines."
Movie theater mask policy became a hot-button issue last summer, when AMC reopened theaters without a mask requirement, only to reverse course after public outcry.
"AMC continues to follow state and local mandates," the AMC website reads.