BALTIMORE — The doors remain closed and the big screen darkened at the historic Senator Theater, but the prospects of it reopening this week found plenty of its faithful ready to return.
“I mean we all are adults,” said Chintha Kuruppunayake who lives nearby in Belvedere. “We’re not stupid people so (if) everybody takes care of themselves, they’ll be okay.”
But the state’s Stage Three re-openings, which would allow theaters, like the Senator, and live entertainment venues to open their doors at 50-percent capacity are getting push back from Mayor Jack Young.
“While some parts of the state may feel ready to move fully into Phase Three, the is not the case for Baltimore City,” said Young. “The data for Baltimore looks promising, and we anticipate moving to Phase Two next week, which include allowing 50-percent indoor dining capacity.”
The mayor announced the city has come up with $30 million to provide further relief to people behind on their monthly rent and a program to provide in person virtual learning lessons for a thousand students, but those address critical needs, unlike the desire to watch a movie with nearly a hundred others in the same theater.
“They have a loyal customer base and I think that as soon as people are able to go back to the movies they will start supporting the Senator again,” said Mollie Lange, an avid moviegoer. “So yes I worry about the businesses, but I also… I’m more worried about people’s health.”
Baltimore has been hit hard by the virus with more than 4,500 cases to date, more than a hundred people still hospitalized and more than 400 deaths.
