The global coronavirus pandemic has already dealt a heavy economic blow to the film and entertainment industry and it looks like it is going to continue doing so in the next few months, at least in the state of New Jersey. This is because a judge has ruled against a lawsuit filed by movie theaters so they could reopen.

Variety reports that Judge Brian R. Martinotti did not grant a request for a temporary restraining order filed by the National Theatre Owners. If it had been granted, the stat of New Jersey would have been forced to reopen its theaters, whatever the coronavirus situation on the ground is.

The lawsuit calling for the reopening of New Jersey theaters argued that keeping the movie theaters in New Jersey closed is unconstitutional and unlawful because a number of public places, such as places of worship, have already been allowed by the state to reopen. According to the complainants, continued closure is a violation of their First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.

As pointed out by The Hollywood Reporter, the temporary restraining order is only the first move of the theater industry, as they had followed it up with a motion for an injunction that would have the same effect as the restraining order.

In the injunction, theater owners argue that their venues can be safely re-opened, even presenting a plan to the New Jersey Governor outlining the measures they have in place. Just some of the intended actions on the part of the theaters include mandatory wearing of face masks for patrons, protective gear for employees, continuous sanitation, and social distancing.

However, Judge Martinotti pointed out that these legal actions should have been filed earlier. The judge also pointed out that even states that have reopened theaters -- such as California and Texas -- have been forced to close them again due to rising coronavirus infections.

Getting to reopen is important for these theater chains as they have been losing money ever since the global coronavirus pandemic resulted in movie theaters closing in March. In fact, AMC Theaters has already raised bankruptcy concerns after declaring that they have suffered a $2 billion loss because of the pandemic.

Whether it is smart to reopen at this stage of the global coronavirus pandemic is debatable, as cases still continue to rise in the United States and around the world. According to the July 14 situation report of the World Health Organization, there are currently 12,964,809 confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide. Deaths caused by COVID-19 are now at 570,288 people.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pegs the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States at 3,355,457 people. Fatalities are now at 135,235 people.