In the context of US President Donald Trump declaring a state of emergency for the Covid-19 epidemic across the country, although there were no cases of Covid-19 infection at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (California), the resort still decided to close Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks. This is an official decision by Disney after carefully reviewing the executive orders of the Governor of California and in the best interests of guests and employees.
While the theme park will close on March 14, Disneyland Resort hotels will remain open until March 16 to allow guests to make arrangements and plan their departure. Disneyland will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their tickets and issue refunds during this closure.
"We will monitor the situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal, state and health authorities," a company representative said. "Disney will continue to pay employees during this time."
Disney's closure of Disneyland is no small feat. In fact, the park has only closed a handful of times since its opening in 1955, such as on the National Day of Mourning for President John F. Kennedy or due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Previously, some Disney theme parks in other regions such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Japan were forced to close in January due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak. By early March, Disney had reopened some resorts in Shanghai but kept Disneyland in the city closed. Every guest entering the resort had their temperature checked and wore a mask. Anyone entering the dining area had to show a QR code so staff could check their health records. In addition, Disney also encouraged guests to maintain a suitable distance from those around them.
