Regal, AMC Cinemas Close Their Doors Until Further Notice

The nation's two largest theater groups have closed their doors until further notice.

As of today, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas are temporarily shuttering all U.S.

locations as a precaution against the rapid spread of COVID-19.

AMC initially announced it would simply limit audience capacity per auditorium.

Now its venues will remain closed for "at least six to 12 weeks" in compliance with local, state, and federal directives.

"Any time, at any Regal, it's our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests," Mooky Greidinger, CEO of parent company Cineworld Group, told Deadline.

"At this time, we have made the difficult decision to close our theaters," he continued.

"We value our movie-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving them again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters."

In the last 48 hours, more than a dozen states and major markets have mandated that movie theaters, bars, and restaurants close.

The U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even recommended people avoid public gatherings of more than 10 people.

"We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and for our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines … make it impossible to open our theaters," AMC CEO Adam Aron said in a statement.

"Still, the health and wellbeing of AMC guests and employees, and of all Americans, takes precedence above all else.

"We will continue to monitor this situation very closely," he added, "and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theaters in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities."

Movie fans can still tap into AMC Theaters On Demand to rent or buy films from a selection of more than 3,500 titles.

And in response to the global pandemic, Universal Pictures on Monday announced it will offer digital versions of recent and upcoming releases, including The Hunt, The Invisible Man, and Emma.

The nation's two largest theater groups have closed their doors until further notice.

As of today, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas are temporarily shuttering all U.S.

locations as a precaution against the rapid spread of COVID-19.

AMC initially announced it would simply limit audience capacity per auditorium.

Now its venues will remain closed for "at least six to 12 weeks" in compliance with local, state, and federal directives.

"Any time, at any Regal, it's our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and guests," Mooky Greidinger, CEO of parent company Cineworld Group, told Deadline.

"At this time, we have made the difficult decision to close our theaters," he continued.

"We value our movie-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving them again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters."

In the last 48 hours, more than a dozen states and major markets have mandated that movie theaters, bars, and restaurants close.

The U.S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has even recommended people avoid public gatherings of more than 10 people.

"We are ever so disappointed for our moviegoing guests and for our employee teams that the new CDC guidelines … make it impossible to open our theaters," AMC CEO Adam Aron said in a statement.

"Still, the health and wellbeing of AMC guests and employees, and of all Americans, takes precedence above all else.

"We will continue to monitor this situation very closely," he added, "and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theaters in accordance with guidance from the CDC and local health authorities."

Movie fans can still tap into AMC Theaters On Demand to rent or buy films from a selection of more than 3,500 titles.

And in response to the global pandemic, Universal Pictures on Monday announced it will offer digital versions of recent and upcoming releases, including The Hunt, The Invisible Man, and Emma.