Los Angeles and Orange counties appear ready to enter a milder level of California’s COVID-19 security restrictions soon, paving the way for the reopening of Disneyland and other Southern California theme parks.
Just before the new information about the counties was released Tuesday morning, Disney Chief Executive Bob Chapek said at a shareholders’ meeting that he hopes the Disneyland Resort theme parks in Anaheim will open “in the end Of april”. An exact date will be announced later, Chapek added.
According to data released Tuesday by the state, Los Angeles and Orange counties recorded adjusted rates of coronavirus cases low enough to get out of California’s more restricted purple layer. four-step reopening route – although the time when they can officially do so depends on how quickly providers can administer COVID-19 vaccines to residents in the most disadvantaged areas of the state.
Once California has given 2 million doses to the target communities, the state will ease the criteria for moving counties from the purple level to the more permissive red level. That goal is likely to be achieved this week.
Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain have been closed for almost a year. Theme parks have put pressure on Governor Gavin Newsom to allow it to reopen.
For parks in red tier counties, capacity will be limited to 15%; the limit goes up to 25% when a county progresses to orange and 35% when it reaches the softest, yellow level.
Officials said participation in the theme parks would be limited to visitors from the state. Other restrictions include a ban on indoor dining and limits for indoor walks.
Chapek said on Tuesday that the reopening of Disney parks will be postponed beyond April 1, mainly due to the need to call back and train some 10,000 workers.
Representatives for Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood said on 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, president and director of operations for the park, in a statement.
Knott’s, Universal Studios and Disney California Adventure Park recently announced plans to open for dining and shopping events – a way to generate revenue without operating toys. It is not clear whether these events will continue as planned or will be modified when the tours are back at the table.