By: Norman Dotson Jr./BNC Digital

AMC Theatres announced today that roughly 98 percent of their theatres would reopen today in many parts across the U.S.

According to a Business Wire report, AMC said that more than 40 of its locations in California are reopening beginning Friday and expects California to open 52 of its 54 locations by Monday.

“It was exactly one year ago that we closed all AMC locations in the United States. It gives me immense joy to say that by the end of next week, we expect that 99% of our U.S. locations will have reopened,” said CEO and President of AMC Adam Aron in an official news release.

The company previously opened more than 500 of its theaters elsewhere around the country and the company has made several strides in keeping customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

New measures include:

• Seating policies – guests purchase their tickets online or at the theater and surrounding seats are automatically blocked for social distancing within the auditorium;
• Enhanced Cleaning Procedures – upgraded the air filtration,  enhanced hard surface disinfection for doors, handrails, recliner buttons, and tray tables and;
• Associate and Guest safety protocols – AMC guests and employees must wear masks, except while eating and drinking. Those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay.

AMC’s theater reopenings are part of the entertainment industry’s slow road to recovery as states begin loosening restrictions and more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

With the uptick in vaccinations, the industry’s gradual recovery will hinge on the success of locations such as New York and California to lead the charge.