While major theater chains opt to remain closed, smaller theaters, on the other hand, have reopened with upheaved security measures at work. During an interview with Variety, EVO Entertainment chief executive Mitchell Roberts said two theaters integrated with airport security-style check-in will be reopened on Monday as part of the company's attempt to regain customer's confidence.

To enter EVO theaters, guests will need to pass through a secluded area and will be asked if anyone in their family has had flu symptoms in the last two weeks, Roberts explained. Aside from that, guests will have to undergo an infrared temperature screening, and anyone with over 100.4 degrees of temperature will not be allowed to enter EVO theaters.

An executive order signed by Abbott on Apr. 28 requires businesses to maintain social distancing and strictly follow the minimum standard health protocols that have been recommended by Texas' Health Department. Moreover, individuals need to cover the face with appropriate coverings; however, those failing to do so will not be subject to a civil or criminal penalty, according to the order.

 Abbott's order also allows Texas theaters to operate at about 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of any theater for any screening. Businesses will be allowed to increase that capacity to 50 percent, provided the state doesn't show COVID-19 flare-ups in two weeks of data.

Austin research firm Kickstand Communications unveiled new data that suggests people are more likely to return to stores rather than going back to movie theaters, CBS Austin reported. Kickstand reported that 15 percent of Austin residents plan to immediately return to shopping at retail stores, while 87 percent said they will return within the month.

Only 10 percent said they were planning to return to malls and movie theaters, and more than 60 percent of Austin residents said they would go back within the month. San Antonio based movie theater chain Santikos Entertainment has reopened three of its nine locations at the recommended 25 percent capacity.

The company's CEO posted a message to its website, noting that they do not take these responsibilities lightly. Furthermore, the message suggested that the company has diligently been working on safety protocols that make Santikos a model for theaters, as well as other businesses on how to reopen without jeopardizing the safety of the people.

Santikos confirmed that it will be asking customers if they or anyone they have been in close contact with has shown any COVID-19 related symptoms within the last 14 days. If yes, those customers will not be allowed in the theater and they will reimburse their ticket, keeping in line with the new guidelines.