Texas will be reopening its movie theaters this Friday, as announced by Governor Greg Abbott.
According to a report by Variety, Friday May 1, 2020 will see the reopening of movie theaters in Texas, along with restaurants, retail stores and museums.
The development makes Texas the latest state in the United States to allow the reopening of theaters, though major chains are not expected to resume business until at least July.
Georgia reopened it theaters on Monday, though it appears that only a few have actually gone ahead to do so.
Governor Abbott acknowledged the fact that many companies would opt for continued closure, saying that his decision was a permission to open, not a requirement.
He added that theaters and other establishments would allowed to operate at only 25% capacity, which may make it challenging for many businesses to operate.
Major theater chains are unlikely to open without the support of major studio releases, which in turn are unlikely to be distributed until theaters across the country are able to screen them.
The governor also stated that barber shops, hair salons, bars and gyms would not be allowed to reopen under the initial phase. However, he said that he hoped for them to reopen by mid-May.
Several other states – including South Carolina, Oklahoma and Alaska – have also taken steps to reopen.
Many states gave a ‘stay at home’ order that expires on April 30, and Texas, with a population of almost 30 million, is by far the largest state to reopen so far.
