Minimum Standard Health Protocols - Checklist for Movie Theaters

As outlined in Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-18, movie theaters may operate up to 25% of the total listed occupancy of any individual theater for any screening. In accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-18, the following are the minimum recommended health protocols for all movie theaters choosing to operate in Texas. Movie theaters may adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all employees and customers. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of Texas. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable. Please note, public health guidance cannot anticipate every unique situation. Movie theaters should stay informed and take actions based on common sense and wise judgment that will protect health and support economic revitalization. Movie theaters should also be mindful of federal and state employment laws and workplace safety standards. Please note that this checklist is a hypothetical example and provides basic information only. It is not intended to take the place of, among other things, workplace, health and safety advice; medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; or other applicable laws. You should also seek your own professional advice to determine if the use of such a checklist is permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction. Source: https://www.midlandtexas.gov/

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Health protocols for serving your customers:

Movie theaters are encouraged to utilize remote ticketing options to help manage capacity limitations.
Ensure proper spacing between patrons in the movie theater:
Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows: - Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side. - Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side.
Alternate rows between customers (every other row left empty).
Disinfect seats and frequently touched areas between screenings.
For movie theaters providing food service to patrons:
Do not leave condiments, silverware, flatware, glassware, or other traditional table top items on an unoccupied table
Provide condiments only upon request, and in single use (non-reusable) portions.
Clean and disinfect the area used for dining (table, etc.) after each group of customers depart the theater.
Use disposable menus (new for each patron).
If the theater allows customers to write down their food orders inside the theater, provide takehome pencils and notepads that cannot be used by other customers.
Have wait staff sanitize or wash hands between interactions with customers.
Movie theaters with counter food service for patrons:
Provide condiments or flatware only in single use, individually-wrapped items, and provide condiments only upon request.
Have employees follow proper food-handling protocols.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with customers.
Contactless payment is encouraged. Where not available, contact should be minimized.

Health protocols for your theater employees:

Train all employees on appropriate cleaning and disinfection, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Screen employees before coming into the movie theater:
Send home any employee who has any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19: - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Chills - Repeated shaking with chills - Muscle pain - Headache - Sore throat - Loss of taste or smell - Diarrhea - Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit - Known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19
Do not allow employees with the new or worsening signs or symptoms listed above to return to work until: - In the case of an employee who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to work when all three of the following criteria are met: at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications); and the individual has improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared; or - In the case of an employee who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and does not get evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, the individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to work until the individual has completed the same three-step criteria listed above; or - If the employee has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to work before completing the above self-isolation period, the individual must obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis.
Do not allow an employee with known close contact to a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to return to work until the end of the 14 day self-quarantine period from the last date of exposure (with an exception granted for healthcare workers and critical infrastructure workers).
Have employees wash or sanitize their hands upon entering the movie theater, and between interactions with customers.
Have employees maintain at least 6 feet separation from other individuals. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
If an employer provides a meal for employees, employers are recommended to have the meal individually packed for each employee.
Consistent with the actions taken by many businesses across the state, consider having all employees wear cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth). If available, employees should consider wearing non-medical grade face masks.

Health protocols for your theater facilities:

Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
Disinfect any items that come into contact with customers.
Make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available to employees and customers.
Place readily visible signage at the movie theater to remind everyone of best hygiene practices.
Clean and disinfect the area used for dining (table, etc.) after each group of customers depart, including the disinfecting of tables, chairs, stalls, and countertops.