Los Angeles has given the go-ahead to a number of operations in the entertainment industry to resume, including film and TV productions. But cinemas were not included.

The Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer announced on Monday that several sectors in the entertainment industry were now allowed to reopen on Friday, as long as they abide by the containment protocols including face masks, proper sanitation and social distancing.

The sectors include gyms, day camps, museums, hotels, zoos, campgrounds and pro sports arenas.

TV and film crews could get their cameras rolling again under guidelines drawn up by an industry-wide task force. They include extensive coronavirus testing and daily symptom checks for actors and crew members.

However, despite the green light, production on most Hollywood films and television shows is not expected to resume until September.

Cinemas however will remain closed.

California state officials said earlier this week that cinemas could reopen as early as Friday, pending approval from local officials, with attendance capped at 25 percent of capacity and other hygiene and social-distancing protocols. Director Ferrer did not explain the reason why movie theaters were eventually excluded from reopening.

Hollywood movie studios have been hoping that enough cinemas will open to hold a late-summer blockbuster season. Warner Bros. currently plans to release Christopher Nolan's thriller "Tenet" on July 17, and Walt Disney Co aims to debut the action movie "Mulan" on July 24.

AMC Entertainment, the world's largest movie theater operator, said on Tuesday it was expecting to reopen almost all its U.S. and UK cinemas in time to showcase the two movies.

Cinemark plans to open five cinemas in Texas on June 19 to test new safety procedures. Cineworld Group Plc owner of Regal Cinemas in the United States, said it believes all of its cinemas will reopen in July.

(With input from Reuters)

(Cover image via CFP)