Regal closing all Las Vegas theaters in response to coronavirus

Regal Cinemas, the largest operator of movie theaters in the Las Vegas Valley, is closing all its locations until further notice.

The move, effective Tuesday, is in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

It’s the first major exhibition chain to close in North America, although others are expected to follow suit.

Regal’s decision came a day after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered all movie theaters in their cities to close temporarily.

“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 Regal’s parent company, Cineworld, said in a statement. “At this time, we have made the difficult decision to close our theatres. We value our movie-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving them again as soon as possible.”

On Friday, AMC Theatres became the first major chain to address the pandemic, setting a limit on ticket sales. Regal followed suit soon after, with both companies at the time limiting seating capacity at 50 percent in each auditorium.

Operators of other local movie theaters addressed their heightened cleaning procedures and the installation of hand sanitizer dispensers.

Regal operates the cinemas at Aliante, Boulder Station, Colonnade, Downtown Summerlin, Fiesta Henderson, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Palace Station, Red Rock Resort, Sunset Station, Texas Station and Village Square.