NEW YORK --- In his press briefing on Saturday, Governor Cuomo announced movie theatres will be allowed to reopen on October 23rd. However, there are guidelines and criteria theatres need to meet in order to welcome back customers.

Theatres outside of New York City will only be allowed to reopen if their region's infection rate is below two percent on a fourteen-day average.

Masks and social distancing will be required, assigned seating in all theatres, increased staffing, and theatres will be required to meet enhanced air filtration standards.

Helen Zyma owns the Strand Movie Theatre in Old Forge with her husband Bob Card. Zyma tells me it's been a long 7 months and can't wait to welcome back customers.

"I was shocked by the Governor's announcement too. I was in my house doing dishes and then I said did he just say something about movie theatres? I felt my heart flutter I'm excited about opening soon," said Zyma.

Helen and Bob said due to the surprise of the announcement, The Strand won't be able to open right on the 23rd. Zyma said they need time to analyze the guidelines to figure out what needs to change inside and give staff enough notice to come back.

Zyma said the guidelines relating to the air filtration requirements are vague and need to be more specific.

"The only thing that we are concerned about is the air quality guidelines. We don't really know what that means for us. Do we have to spend some money to put something new in?," said Zyma.

Zyma said its good news as the industry as a whole has been struggling financially due to the pandemic.