Pennsylvania movie theaters ditch mask mandate: What you need to know

As major blockbuster movies are released this summer, three chain movie theaters have announced that masks are no longer mandatory for moviegoers who have been vaccinated against coronavirus.

Major movie houses run by AMC, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark have agreed to let those who are vaccinated watch some of the biggest films released since the beginning of the pandemic maskless.

The move to allow moviegoers to watch new flicks maskless followed new CDC guidelines that went into effect on May 19, saying those who are vaccinated no longer have to wear masks in many in and outdoor settings. Non-vaccinated customers can remove masks when seated and eating or drinking at movie theaters.

"With rapid improvements in COVID-19 case rates, increasingly widespread vaccinations, and recent CDC guidance that vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or socially distance, the movie theatre industry will continue to meet or exceed state and local public health guidelines," Regal said in an announcement on its website.

Employees at AMC, Regal and Cinemark are still required to wear face masks.

Pennsylvania announced Thursday that the commonwealth would eliminate its mask mandates by June 28 as COVID-19 cases continue to decline and vaccinations increase. 

More:Pennsylvania will eliminate its COVID-19 mask requirements by June 28, health officials say

"After reviewing the vaccination data for people 18 and over and discussing it with the COVID-19 Vaccine Legislative Task Force, we have determined that the commonwealth’s mask order can be lifted on June 28 or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first," Acting Secretary Alison Beam said.

The commonwealth hit a milestone last week, logging 70% of adults receiving at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Pennsylvania is the 10th state in the nation to reach this goal.

What is PA's current mask mandate?

Following an update from the CDC earlier this month, Pennsylvania adopted new measures allowing for vaccinated residents to now gather without face coverings. 

Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or physically distance indoors or outdoors in most circumstances. Those with weak immune systems should speak with their doctors before ditching their masks.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you are still expected to wear a mask. 

Masks should also continue to be worn by vaccinated and unvaccinated people in certain crowded indoor settings, such as buses, planes, and hospitals.

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