WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:
- The coronavirus pandemic shut down many aspects of travel and tourism, including theme parks.
- Shanghai Disneyland reopened Monday with COVID-19 precautions in place.
- A date hasn’t been set for the reopening of the rest of Disney’s parks around the globe.
Tourism took a dive with the coronavirus pandemic shutting down travel, cinemas, and theme parks. In a high-profile step to revive it, Shanghai Disneyland reopened its theme park Monday.
Precautions were taken, the number of visitors limited, the requirement of face masks for guests, and temperature checks as well. The House of Mouse’s experience in Shanghai is the first of its parks to reopen.
A visitor, Dilys Ding of Shanghai described how few people there were that you could try out all the entertainment at least once. “You don’t need to line up.”
Decals were placed on sidewalks and lines to show where visitors could stand to enforce social distancing. Rides also limited the number of visitors per car while indoor theater shows, and children’s play areas are still closed.
Joe Schott, Shanghai Disney Resort’s president, told reporters that he hopes the reopening of the park “serves as a beacon of light across the globe, providing hope and inspiration to everyone.”
The pandemic began in China in December but declared the disease under control in March. The country reopened its factories and other businesses while the number of coronavirus cases rose and controls were tightened in other countries.
On Jan. 25, Shanghai Disneyland and Disney’s park in Hong Kong both closed as China fought to contain the outbreak and isolate cities with 60 million people. Tokyo Disneyland followed a month later while other parks in the US and Europe closed in March.
Disney’s HQ in Burbank California has yet to set a date for the reopening of Disney World in Florida, or its other parks around the globe. However, some outlets in Disney Springs will reopen this month.
Source: AOL