Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that theme parks might be required to ask visitors not to scream at walks. The state of California has not released such protocols.
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – When Southern California theme parks, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and Magic Mountain, reopen in April, they will likely need to take steps to ensure that screaming at rides does not lead to the spread of COVID-19.
The California Amusement and Parks Association (CAPA), a trade group representing state-level theme parks, supports a plan that would reduce the effects that shouts and screams on walks, such as mountain bikes, could have on the virus.
FILE – Visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm travel on HangTime Mountain in Buena Park on May 11, 2018. (Jeff Gritchen / Orange County Register / Getty Images)
The California reopening guidelines call on companies to limit activities that can spread the virus, such as singing and shouting.
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“The use of face covering and / or changes to seat loading patterns will be necessary in amusement parks to mitigate the effects of shouting,” CAPA wrote in its responsible reopening plan. “In addition, when walking, guests generally face in one direction.”
Both Los Angeles and Orange counties have moved to the red level of the state’s reopening plan this week, allowing theme parks to reopen starting April 1st. They have been closed since March 2020. According to the guidelines, they will be allowed to reopen to 15% capacity, but only with visitors to the state.
Visitors are limited to groups of no more than 10 and no more than three households. It is not allowed to dine indoors, and tickets must be purchased online in advance.