LOS ANGELES — California theme park visitors have a few weeks to practice using their inside voices before attractions begin reopening in April and potentially usher in a new “no screaming” rule to combat the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The California Attractions and Parks Association, a trade group which represents theme parks statewide, is backing a plan that would discourage shouting on rides, such as roller coasters, because the statewide reopening guidelines calls upon businesses to limit activities – such as shouting and singing – that could spread the virus, KCAL reported.
“Face covering usage and/or modifications to seat loading patterns will be required on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of shouting,” CAPA wrote in its “Responsible Reopening Plan.”
“Additionally, on rides, guests generally face in one direction,” the plan stated.
Or, as The Orange County Register phrased it:
“Ride enthusiasts could be asked to refrain from screaming on the Scream coaster at Magic Mountain, abstain from yelling on the Supreme Scream drop tower at Knott’s and avoid hootin’ and hollerin’ on Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland under proposed COVID-19 health and safety protocols prepared by a theme park industry association.”
According to KCAL, both Los Angeles and Orange counties moved into the red tier of the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” this week, which allows for theme parks to reopen beginning April 1. Per the latest guidelines, the parks will be allowed to operate at 15% capacity but with in-state visitors only.
In addition, indoor dining will be prohibited, tickets must be purchased online in advance and visitors are limited to groups of no more than 10 and from no more than three households, the TV station reported.
The Sacramento-based CAPA represents Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America, the Register reported.
According to the newspaper, the CAPA-proposed guidelines also apply to indoor attractions and shows, but individual parks are not required to adopt the recommendations.
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Cox Media Group
