The states of Los Angeles and Orange are apparently ready to enter a lighter level of the COVID-19 safety restrictions in California soon, paving the way for Disneyland and other Southern California theme parks to reopen.
Shortly before the announcement of the new provincial information on Tuesday morning, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said at a shareholders’ meeting that he hopes the theme parks at the Disneyland resort in Anaheim can open ‘end of April’. An exact date will be announced later, Chapek added.
According to data released by the state on Tuesday, LA and Orange provinces recorded adjusted coronavirus rates low enough to leave California’s strictest press level. four-card reopening of the road map – although the timing of when they can officially do so depends on how quickly suppliers can administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents in the most disadvantaged areas of the state.
Once California has given 2 million doses in targeted communities, the state will relax the criteria to move provinces from purple to the more permissible red level. This goal is likely to be achieved this week.
Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain have been closed for nearly a year. The theme parks forced Gavin Newsom to reopen them.
For parks in provinces in the red level, the capacity will be limited to 15%; the limit rises to 25% once a province moves to orange and 35% to the lowest level, yellow.
Officials said attendance at theme park will be limited to visitors in the country. Other restrictions include no dining room inside and restrictions on indoor rides.
Chapek said Tuesday that the reopening of Disney parks will be delayed beyond April 1, mainly due to the need to call in and train about 10,000 workers.
Representatives from Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood said Tuesday that they are not ready to announce a reopening date, but are encouraged by the state’s recent rule change.
“Universal Studios Hollywood is developing its reopening plans and will share more information soon,” said Karen Irwin, the park’s president and chief operating officer, in a statement.
Knott’s, Universal Studios and Disney California Adventure Park recently announced plans to open up for dining and shopping events – a way to bring in some income without driving. It is not clear whether the events will continue as planned or will be adjusted when rides are back on the table.