New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered all NYC movie theaters to close due to the threat of the global coronavirus pandemic. The decree, which will go into effect Tuesday, March 17 at 9:00 AM ET, was posted by de Blasio on Twitter.
“This is not a decision I make lightly,” wrote de Blasio. “These places are part of the heart and soul of our city. They are part of what it means to be a New Yorker. But our city is facing an unprecedented threat, and we must respond with a wartime mentality.”
The order includes nightclubs, movie theaters, small theater houses, and concert venues; all must close.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has also issued instructions for all LA entertainment venues to close until March 31, unless extended.
The NYC and LA cinema closures follow similar shutdowns across Europe, including cinemas in Italy, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Spain, and France.
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The news follows the lowest US box office weekend in 20 years and a string of movie delays, including Mulan, No Time to Die, The New Mutants, and Fast 9.
The European box office is also expected to take a big hit due to COVID-19.
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Luke is Games Editor at IGN’s Sydney office. You can find him on Twitter every few days @MrLukeReilly.
Source: IGN.com New York City, LA Movie Theaters Ordered Closed Due to Coronavirus