[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Disneyland in the United States, which had been closed for a year due to COVID-19, will reopen starting in April.
On the 6th (local time), according to major foreign media, the California Department of Public Health announced that due to the decrease in COVID-19 cases and the increase in vaccinated individuals, it will allow the limited reopening of Disneyland and various theme parks and stadiums starting from the 1st of next month.
The state health authorities mandated that the number of visitors be limited to 15-35% of the normal capacity, and required compliance with mask-wearing and social distancing as part of the quarantine measures.
Except for counties classified as 'Purple,' the most severe COVID-19 level, theme parks and stadiums located in counties with 'Red,' 'Orange,' and 'Yellow' ratings are allowed to reopen with limited capacity at 25-35% of their maximum occupancy.
With California moving to reopen theme parks, Universal Studios, Legoland, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and others are also expected to open one after another.
Various outdoor sports stadiums, including Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, will also reopen, and it is expected that watching sports games will partially return to normal soon.
The reopening date of April 1, when stadiums can reopen, coincides with the MLB opening day, with home games scheduled for California-based baseball teams such as the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Oakland Athletics.
Stadiums located in counties with a Purple rating will only allow up to 100 spectators, and the reopening of indoor arenas and performance venues such as those for the National Basketball Association (NBA) was not permitted.
Ken Potrock, President of Disneyland Resort, welcomed the decision in a statement, saying, "This decision by health authorities has allowed thousands of workers to return to their workplaces," and "It will be a great help to partner companies and the entire community."
Earlier, Disney World in Florida reopened in July last year following local health authority guidelines.
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