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Theme parks and outdoor sports stadiums in California could reopen as early as April 1 under new reopening guidelines released Friday by state public health officials, reports CBS Los Angeles.
The updated reopening guidelines allow California theme parks to reopen at 15% capacity as of April 1, once their counties reach red level, or the second most restrictive reopening level. Capacity levels may change once a theme park’s original county changes to orange and then yellow levels.
However, theme park attendance will be limited to residents of California when it reopens.
“With significantly lower case rates and hospitalizations, the arrival of three highly effective vaccines, and focused efforts to immunize the most vulnerable communities, California can safely and gradually begin to bring back more activities,” especially those that take place outdoors and where consistent masking is possible, “Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said in a statement.
The announcement was good news for Disneyland President Ken Potrock.
“We are encouraged that the theme parks are now on their way to reopening this spring, allowing thousands of people to return to work and greatly help neighboring businesses and our entire community,” a- he said in a statement.
Theme parks in California have been closed to visitors since last March, with the exception of limited-capacity food events like Taste of Boysenberry this weekend at Knott’s Berry Farm, and a “Touch of Disney” scheduled for later this month. this.
Orange County, home to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, narrowly missed its transfer to the red level this week.
UFCW Local 324, which represents Disney cast members who work at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, applauded the news.
“Our Disney cast members are heartened by this good news today that the Disney Parks will reopen in a month’s time. They have been on leave or unemployed for a year now and are excited to return to work to offer Californians some work. . more magic in their life, ”the union said in a statement.
The updated guidelines also allow outdoor sports and live performances with fans and participants to restart on April 1. While counties remain in the purple level, as Los Angeles County is now, a stadium like Dodger Stadium will have to limit capacity to 100 locals. residents or less. Advance reservations will be required and no concessions or sales in rooms will be allowed, as per the guidelines.
Once a county goes red, capacity can increase by up to 20% and dealership sales can resume to customers in their stead. In the orange level, the capacity can increase to 33%, then to 67% in the yellow level. Attendance will still be limited to state visitors at all reopening levels.
The Dodgers have said they will announce health and safety protocols for fans soon, as well as a reduced capacity ticket policy.
“Along with the governor, we are optimistic that California will continue to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 and that we can safely welcome fans to start the season,” said Dodgers chief executive Stan Kasten, in a statement.
The California Attractions and Parks Association also welcomed the new guidelines.
“Parks now have a framework to reopen safely and responsibly,” Erin Guerrero, executive director of CAPA, said in a statement. “We appreciate the Administration’s willingness to work with the State Theme on every detail of the plan so that parks can responsibly reopen soon, put people back to work safely, and revitalize local economies.”
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