Orange County Health Agency: Disneyland Should Reopen

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Amid the continuing tensions between theme park officials and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding reopening, the Orange County Health Agency recommended today that Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Knott’s Berry Farm be allowed to reopen as soon as the county is moved into the “Moderate” COVID-19 “Orange tier.”

At this time, the Governor has elected to leave Orange County in the “Red tier.”

Related: Newsom Postpones Reopening Guidelines for Disneyland, CA Theme Parks

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According to an OC Register report about the OC Health Agency’s recommendation:

Local health authorities have given the green light for Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm to reopen while California theme parks await reopening guidelines from Gov. Gavin Newsom after more than six months of coronavirus closures.

The Orange County Health Care Agency has recommended the state allow Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Knott’s Berry Farm to reopen once Orange County moves into the “moderate” tier of Newsom’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, according to county health officer and agency director Clayton Chau.

It is worth noting that Knott’s Berry Farm has been reopened for certain food and merchandise selling events, but Disneyland Resort has remained fully closed since March 14. The Downtown Disney District began its phased reopening process over the summer.

Related: Disney Fans Tell CA Gov. They Feel Safest At Downtown Disney

The Mayor of Anaheim has encouraged Governor Newsom to visit the city prior to issuing his now-delayed theme park reopening guidelines. The Governor has not yet issued a public response to this invitation.

At this time, reopening dates for Disneyland Resort and other California theme parks have not been established. This new recommendation from the Orange County Health Care Agency’s health officials is, however, another positive step toward the start of a phased reopening process.

The OC Register report also notes:

California Health and Human Services secretary Mark Ghaly said last week that state officials will work with theme park operators to finalize COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines.

“Once we have a clearer understanding of when theme parks can reopen from the State of California, we will be able to work with the state and Orange County Health Care Agency towards a reopening date,” according to Disney officials.

At this time, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California are the only Disney theme park properties in the world to have not begun their phased reopenings.

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Walt Disney Company executives, including Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Disneyland President Ken Potrock, have been vocal about their desire to reopen Disneyland Resort. State legislators have also appealed to Governor Newsom to reopen theme parks in the immediate future.

Related: CA Senator and Former Cast Member Reacts to Disneyland Closure

What are your thoughts on the latest recommendation about theme parks from the OC Health Care Agency?

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