SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians may soon be able to revisit theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios once again as the state's top health officials issue guidelines for the reopening of theme parks and sporting centers.
Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly outlined the update on theme parks during a virtual press conference, stating that California is currently in tier 1.
Large theme parks will have to wait until their counties enter the least-restrictive yellow tier of the state's reopening framework, and even then, capacity will be limited to 25%.
Smaller theme parks can reopen with limited capacity once in the orange tier. Smaller theme parks are considered those with a capacity of 15,000 or fewer.
Theme park reopening guidelines include:
- Smaller theme parks may resume operations in tier 3, with limited capacity at 25% or 500 people, whichever is fewer.
- All theme parks may resume operations in tier 4 at 25% capacity.
- All theme parks must implement a reservation system and screen guests for symptoms in advance. Face coverings are also mandatory throughout the park, except while eating or drinking.
- Only residents of the same county as the theme park will be permitted.
The state will also allow in-person attendance at outdoor sporting events in counties that are in the orange tier, with capacity limited to 20%. Counties in the least-restrictive yellow tier can only allow capacity at 25%. Ticket sales must be in advance and face coverings will be required.
