YOUR TOWN, USA. (THECOUNT) — Amidst recommendations that most Americans avoid getting coronavirus by avoiding gatherings with more than 10 people, the drive-in movie theater industry is suddenly seeing a sharp increase in business.
According to DailyWire, drive-in owners across several states have reported increases in business, even while accounting for coronavirus mitigation strategies, such as limiting access to food stands or other areas where people may congregate.
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“It has been a welcome relief for families and adults looking for a little getaway from the house,” a drive-in owner in Southern California told the news agency. “We’ve been trying to let people know that we have a safe environment and [offer] a little escape.”
According to the National Association of Theater Owners, there were 559 drive-in movie screens across the country during 2019, up from 534 screens the previous year.
By contrast, there are 40,613 movie screens at traditional theaters – approximately 89% of which are temporarily shutting down amid the coronavirus pandemic, reports The New York Times.