Streator Eagle 6 closes temporarily to be 'responsible citizens' during outbreak

Streator Eagle 6 movie theater is the latest business to close until the coronavirus outbreak is over.

CEO Eric Gubleman released a video on Facebook making the announcement and said the decision was the company's way of being "responsible citizens" given the CDC's recommendation that gatherings of more than 10 individuals be canceled.

"We don't do this lightly, but we do it out of a sense of obligation to you and your health and your family's health," Gubelman said.

The business had implemented many advanced cleaning practices as well as reduced the number of tickets sold for movies to practice safe social distancing in the theater prior to the closure.

Gubelman admitted the decision wasn't easy, noting the impact on workers the business employs across four theaters. The company's other two Illinois-based theaters in Clinton and Robinson are also closing.

"We feel a little bit like we're letting (our employees) down, but the cost of letting them down is to stand up for your needs," Gubelman said.

He added that the business will share more information on Facebook in the coming weeks as to how the community can help to support the theater and its workers.

"We're going to miss you. We're going to stay in touch on Facebook and email, and we hope that when we reopen that you have a pretty pent-up demand to see Hollywood movies on a big screen among your friends and neighbors, which is where movies should be seen," Gubelman said.