Major movie theater chains including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark will no longer require patrons who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear face masks, according to Variety. Instead, masks will now be considered optional for immunized moviegoers. Employees at each major chain will still be required to wear a mask, along with unvaccinated patrons.

　　"Consistent with the latest CDC guidance and following consultation with public health experts, AMC Theatres guests who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear face coverings at AMC locations, unless it is mandated by state or local ordinances," AMC said in a statement. "Guests who are not fully vaccinated are asked to continue wearing masks. All other aspects of the AMC Safe & Clean policies and procedures, including seat blocking, remain in place at this time."

　　Regal has updated its website to now read that "vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or socially distance… masks will not be required unless mandated by state and local guidelines." At Regal theaters, masks can only be removed "while eating and drinking while seated in an auditorium.

　　These announcements find the movies following other major chains where many people gather. For example, Walgreens, Whole Foods, and Kroger-owned stores have recently joined the growing list of businesses that say fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in their stores, honoring the CDC's recommendations. Walgreens, Whole Foods, and Kroger-owned stores themselves follow in the footsteps of Walmart, Trader Joe's, and Costco.

　　With so many movies delayed due to the pandemic, 2021 is shaping up to be a year filled with must-see movies. Check out our running list of what worthwhile and exciting movies have recently and will soon be coming to a theater near you this year--stay safe out there.

　　David Wolinsky on Google+