California Backs Off on Announcing New Theme Park Rules

October 2, 2020, 12:35 PM · The State of California will not issue today its long-awaited guidance for reopening theme parks in the state, a top state official said.

California Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly issued a statement this morning that said the state would postpone the announcement of industry guidance on theme parks as it seeks additional input from industry leaders.

"Our Blueprint for a Safer Economy is driven by data and science to keep the risk of COVID-19 transmission low, and this upcoming guidance will be no exception," Dr. Ghaly said. "Given the size and operational complexities of these unique sectors, we are seeking additional input from health, workforce and business stakeholders to finalize this important framework - all leading with science and safety."

An association representing California's top theme parks — including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood — yesterday called upon the state to delay issuing the guidance that parks have been demanding, after seeing a draft of the proposed new rules. Disney Chairman Bob Iger also resigned from Governor Gavin Newsom's economic recovery task force.

So we're back to the waiting game, as California's theme parks remain closed due to the pandemic. However, with a reopening off the table for now, fans might wonder if this will prompt Disney, Universal, and Six Flags Magic Mountain to announce limited operation special events inside their parks, as Knott's Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California have done or announced. We've heard that something might be coming soon from Six Flags, though so far all Disney and Universal have opened are their shopping and dining districts — Downtown Disney and CityWalk.

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Replies (3)

October 2, 2020 at 2:11 PM

Well, I'm sure this thread is going to be calm and reasonable discussion....

October 2, 2020 at 5:17 PM

Ahh.. just you wait.. (haha) They're coming for us... I feel like a goalie without gloves or padding.

October 3, 2020 at 11:41 AM

Disney World and Universal has done such a good job in protecting its guests for months it’s strange not to reopen and get some jobs back too. I want to make my first trip to Disneyland soon!

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