Although Hong Kong’s Disneyland reopened a few weeks ago after being closed earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is sadly closing again.
This decision comes after the government issues a rollback of public activities because of rising coronavirus cases. According to Disney, the theme park will only be closed temporarily while the Lantau Island resort hotels remain open.
The theme park originally closed on January 26th and reopened on June 18th with added health and safety measures such as temperature checks and social distancing. Since it’s reopening, there haven’t been many visitors.
Hong Kong Disneyland’s reopening was used as an example by Disney executives in Florida to reopen Walt Disney World even though cases in Florida are rising at an alarming rate.
However, on Monday, Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, announced that there will be new restrictions due to 52 new COVID-19 cases.
Disney says that closing the park is “required by the government and health authorities in line with prevention efforts taking place across Hong Kong.”
Starting on Wednesday, Disneyland, gyms, and movie theaters will be closed.
Disney still has plans to reopen other theme park locations in Paris (Disneyland) and Florida (Epcot and Hollywood Studios.)
Disneyland in Anaheim, California will not be reopening per instructions from Governor Gavin Newsom. It is not clear when it will reopen.
Disney’s theme park chairman, Josh D’Amaro says in a recent interview, “Covid is here, and we have a responsibility to figure out the best approach to safely operate in this new normal. Businesses across the country are open, whether it’s a local pizza shop in Orlando or an airline taking on new guests.”