California is saying that the Disneyland Resort and other theme parks could open during the stage 3 part of the state’s 4 stage reopening plan. This comes from California state officials explaining the stages.
“Theme parks are slated to open in Stage 3 if the rate of spread of COVID-19 and hospitalizations remain stable,” according to California Health and Human Services Agency spokesperson Kate Folmar.
This could impact theme parks throughout Southern California that include the Disneyland Resort, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California.
Shortly after the announcement that theme parks could be included in the stage 3 phase of reopening in California, Governor Newsom announced that the state would be moving into stage 3. How this impacts theme park reopening is completely unknown at this time. Orange County just entered the stage, or phase, 2 this last week.
While a specific date for Stage 3 has not been set at this time, it is expected to arrive in June. “Phase 3 is not a year away. It’s not six months away. It’s not even three months away. It may not even be more than a month away,” Newsom said during a daily press briefing recently. “We just want to make sure we have a protocol in place to secure customer safety, employee safety and allow the businesses to thrive in a way that is sustainable.”
“The science and data of how COVID-19 hospitalizations are progressing, how prepared hospitals are for increased cases and whether hospitals have adequate personal protective equipment will guide when the state enters stage 3,” Folmar said via email.
“The California Department of Public Health will issue detailed guidance with suggested modifications for how to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread when theme parks reopen,” Folmar said. It is recognized that theme parks will be a “high risk” environment by state officials.
The state will work with theme parks to develop safe reopening plans, Folmar also shared. Theme parks will also be working with local officials as well throughout this process. This could be similar as to what is seen happening with theme parks in Florida.
At this time, the Disneyland Resort has not offered any word on when it will be reopening and how. Disney has only reopened Shanghai Disneyland in China and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. There currently is no news about any other reopening of Disney resorts around the globe.
DAPS MAGIC will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. What do you think of theme parks being included in stage 3 of California’s 4 stage plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below or with DAPS MAGIC on Facebook or Twitter!
