Disneyland and California Adventure will be closing Saturday over concerns about the possible spread of the coronavirus. Variety reports the closure is expected to last at least two weeks:
It’s only the fourth time in history that Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., has fully suspended operations. The other instances were Sept. 11 attacks, the morning after JFK’s assassination and the Northridge earthquake…
“While there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 at Disneyland Resort, after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, beginning the morning of March 14 through the end of the month,” Disney said in a statement.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued “guidance” just before midnight Wednesday night which recommended that all gatherings over 250 people be canceled or rescheduled through at least the end of the month. That guidance was not binding, just a recommendation. In addition, Newsom made clear theme parks like Disneyland were exempt from those recommendations. Still, it appears the park had decided not to take the risk. The LA Times reports that other theme parks have not decided whether or not they will voluntarily shut down.
A spokesperson for Knott’s Berry Farm said Thursday morning that the Buena Park attraction “is aware of the new guidance issued by the state of California last night regarding large events based on the COVID-19 outbreak. Knott’s Berry Farm is open today as we understand and evaluate what this means for our park, our guests and our associates.”…
Inquiries to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Hollywood and Legoland California were not immediately returned Thursday morning.
Mike Spanos, president and chief executive of the Six Flags Entertainment Corp., previously wrote a public note emphasizing “the top priority at Six Flags is the safety and the well-being of our guests and team members.”
He said Six Flags has “significantly enhanced” its cleaning and sanitation efforts and is asking employees who are sick to stay home.
It’s not clear at the moment whether or not Disney World in Florida will also be shutting down. Two Disney Parks in Tokyo have been shut down since the end of February. Yesterday the company announced those parks would remain closed through until the end of April. The Disney Park in Shanghai, China has been closed since January 23rd as has the park in Hong Kong. Dineyland in Paris remains open as of today.
Finally, this isn’t theme park related but other entertainment venues are also shutting down including Broadway in New York:
BREAKING: The show must go on but it can't. Broadway has canceled all performances through April 13 after the Governor of New York banned gatherings of more than 500 people. Broadway is a top tourism driver in New York City with nearly 15 million people going to a show last year
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) March 12, 2020
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