Coronavirus Update: Disney World Issues Statement Confirming Sanitation Procedures

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US Disney Parks Coronavirus Update

The Coronavirus outbreak finally made it to Florida. On Sunday, March 2, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that two people–a woman in Hillsborough County and a man in Manatee County–tested positive for CONVID-19. Both people have been in quarantine and are monitored by the Florida Department of Health.

But while the number of cases is still 2, and the threat in Florida is still shallow, Walt Disney World took the opportunity to make a statement, reassuring their future Guests that while the theme parks as still open as usual, “stringent sanitation procedures” are underway.

Related: State of Florida Declares Public Health Emergency After First Potential Coronavirus Reported

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A Walt Disney World spokesperson told People:

“We have very stringent sanitation procedures in place at Walt Disney World Resort. We are in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to communicate to our Cast the importance of preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and rigorous cleaning processes…For guest convenience, we have placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our parks and resorts and will adjust our protocols as the situation warrants.”

On the other side of the country, the Disneyland Resort is also reassuring its Guests that precautionary measures are being taken to ensure Park operations can continue normally. Click below to read our coverage of that story:

Read More: Coronavirus Update: Disneyland Shares Reassuring Statement with Local Hotels

Cinderella Castle
Credit: Disney

If you go to Walt Disney World’s website, you will see almost the same reassuring message under the FAQ “What procedures do you have in place to minimize the spread of illness at the Park?”

Disney’s Answer:

As part of our commitment to the health and safety of our guests, Cast Members, and the larger community, we have high standards for sanitation and employ robust cleaning procedures, such as:

  • Training for Cast Members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis
  • Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas
  • Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers
  • Quick response to spills, trash and other situations
  • End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities
  • Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

We also offer guest First Aid locations to assist with minor health issues and offer preventive health services to our Cast Members, such as free vaccinations and online wellness clinics and pharmacies. Additionally, our onsite health teams and leaders routinely communicate with our Cast Members about illness prevention.

We maintain close relationships with local, state, national, and international public health authorities, and follow their guidance when additional preventive measures are needed.

Woody and Buzz character meet and greet
Credit: Matt Stroshane / Disney

Walt Disney World theme parks remain open, along with the Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris theme parks. Disneyland Shanghai, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Hong Kong Disneyland remain closed.

Read More: Coronavirus Update: Disney Closes Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai Parks

We at Inside the Magic also want to remind our readers that while the new virus is daunting, the fatality rate for the infectious disease is shallow – -less than 0.5% for people under the age of 50 — and the risk of catching it in the U.S. is still deficient according to the CDC and other members of the Coronavirus task force. No travel restrictions have been declared on domestic travel, and health officials usually want people to go about life. You can read more about Coronavirus on the official CDC website.
However, as a precaution from spreading anything, we want to echo Walt Disney World’s statement to please wash your hands, and if you are feeling ill — especially with flu-like symptoms — please stay home from the parks, or any public areas and see a doctor.

Do you have an upcoming trip planned for Walt Disney World? Are you going to keep your plans or try to reschedule your visit? Let us know in the comments!

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