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California theme park reopening guidelines slammed by Disney, Universal
Disneyland and big theme parks across California won’t be opening anytime soon.
California issued a long awaited proposal around the reopening of theme parks, and the industry didn’t take long to criticize the ‘arbitrary’ guidelines.
The state has allowed small and medium-sized parks to reopen at 25% capacity, with advance reservations required.
However, large parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Six Flags will remain closed for some time yet.
Major theme parks may only reopen when the county where they are located is designated a ‘yellow’ low risk area.
California has a four-tiered color system based on infection rates.
Parks such as Disneyland could stay closed for weeks or even months, based on the current situation in LA County and Orange County.
The two counties are currently in the two highest ‘purple’ and ‘red’ tiers.
"Together with our labor unions we want to get people back to work, but these state guidelines will keep us shuttered for the foreseeable future, forcing thousands more people out of work," said Disneyland President Ken Potrock.
Karen Irwin, President of Universal Studios Hollywood called the guidelines ‘shameful.’
"It ignores science, reason and the economic devastation this will bring to the thousands of our employees," Irwin said.
The California Attractions and Parks Association also slammed the guidelines.
"To say today’s announcement on theme parks is disappointing would be a grave understatement. The Governor has not used science or data to inform his decision. Theme parks have opened and operated safely around the world for months," it said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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