LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – When the Southern California theme parks reopen in early April, there can be a very significant and silent difference: no yelling at the toys.
The California Parks and Attractions Association (CAPA), a commercial group that represents theme parks across the state, is supporting a plan that would suppress screams on rides, like roller coasters, in an effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
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ARCHIVE – Knott’s Berry Farm visitors ride the HangTime roller coaster in Buena Park on May 11, 2018. (Jeff Gritchen / Orange County Register / Getty Images)
California’s reopening guidelines require companies to limit activities that can spread the virus, such as singing and shouting.
This means that visitors to parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags and Knott’s Berry Farm may be asked to keep pace on these tours.
“The use of facial coverage and / or changes in seat occupancy patterns will be necessary on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of screaming,” wrote CAPA in its responsible reopening plan. “In addition, on tours, guests often turn in one direction.”
Los Angeles and Orange counties moved to the red layer of the state’s reopening plan this week, which allows theme parks to reopen from April 1. They have been closed since March 2020. According to the guidelines, they will be able to reopen at 15% of capacity, but only with visitors from the interior of the state.
Visitors are limited to groups of no more than 10 and no more than three families. Indoor meals are not allowed and tickets must be purchased online in advance.