Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that theme parks may be required to ask visitors not to yell during rides. The State of California has not released such protocols.
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – When Southern California theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Magic Mountain reopen as early as April, they will likely have to take steps to ensure that the screaming on rides doesn’t lead to the spread of COVID-19.
The California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), a trade group representing theme parks statewide, supports a plan that could reduce the effects screaming and screaming on attractions, such as roller coasters, could have in spreading the virus.
FILE – Visitors to Knott’s Berry Farm ride the HangTime roller coaster in Buena Park on May 11, 2018 (Jeff Gritchen / Orange County Register / Getty Images)
California’s reopening guidelines call for companies to limit activities that could spread the virus, such as singing and screaming.
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“The use of face-covering clothing and / or adjustments to seat loading patterns will be necessary on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of screaming,” CAPA wrote in its responsible reopening plan. “Moreover, guests usually look in one direction during rides.”
Both Los Angeles and Orange counties transitioned into the red tier of the state’s reopening blueprint this week, allowing theme parks to reopen April 1. They have been closed since March 2020. According to the guidelines, they are allowed to reopen at 15% capacity, but only with in-state visitors.
Visitors are limited to groups of no more than 10 and from no more than three households. No indoor dining is allowed and tickets must be purchased online in advance.