The California Attractions and Parks Association has called on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to issue guidelines for amusement parks — like Disneyland and Universal Studios — to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Per Deadline, executive director Erin Guerrero wrote in her statement:
- California’s amusement parks urge the governor to issue amusement park guidelines expeditiously so these vital community attractions can reopen their doors in a responsible manner and get residents back to work.”
The statement from the CAPA suggests parks have prepared to reopen. They just need the final approval from the state.
Here’s the full statement:
Because it is an industry that values safety above all else, six months ago California’s amusement parks and attractions made the difficult decision to close voluntarily in response to COVID — and the impacts have been devastating. Tens of thousands of jobs have been weighing in the balance; hundreds of millions of tax revenue that support critical local, state, and federal programs, lost; and local businesses that rely on amusement parks continue to struggle, with many closing permanently. Over those six months, parks crafted detailed plans to reopen — they include capacity reductions, face covering requirements, robust health and safety protocols for both guests and employees, and significant modifications to support physical distancing. These practices will promote health and safety in ways that many activities Californians are currently engaging in won’t. However, in order to reopen, parks require guidance from the state and that guidance has not been forthcoming. As evidenced by the many open amusement parks in the United States and around the world, visiting an attraction will not look the same as before COVID, but California’s amusement parks are ready to responsibly reopen.
Earlier this month, Gov. Newsom said the state is “getting closer” to issuing guidelines for theme parks like Disneyland so they can reopen.
- “Conversations are ongoing, just as a reminder, for theme parks, amusement parks and the like,” Newsom said, according to the OC Register.
- “There are still many areas where we are open-ended in terms of our negotiations. Making progress and advancing in the same space. Getting closer to concluding when and how to safely reopen those sectors.”
Newsom had previously said that California is “actively” working with Disneyland to come up with a plan for reopening, as I wrote for Deseret.com.
- “We are working with them,” Newsom said. “We set our discussions aside on that. They’re forthcoming.”