Walt Disney World is introducing more hand sanitizers to Florida’s most popular tourist destination one week after all of the Disney theme parks in Asia closed due to the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland Park, and now Tokyo Disney have closed to prevent the spread of the disease, according to their websites. With eyes now turning to the most popular Disney park in the world, the Florida parks and resorts say they will remain open for now, albeit with more precautionary measures.
Most of the coronavirus cases are currently in Asia, including more than 80,000 cases in China. As of March 3, there are three confirmed cases in Florida. Still, fear of the COVID-19 disease has impacted the entertainment industry more than the toll of the cases themselves. Insecurity about attending public spaces has negatively affected the global box office. Beside the potential effect on the global box office for the upcoming Disney films, Disney canceled its March media event in the U.K. for the European release of Disney+. Now, coronavirus panic may challenge Disney’s revenue in the tourism industry.
The Sun Sentinel in Orlando reports Disney World is staying open and adding more hand sanitizers to its Florida parks and resorts, though Disney hasn’t confirmed exactly how many more there will be. Disney is also educating its employees about preventative hygiene practices, such as washing their hands and keeping their work stations sanitized. The Tampa Bay Times has even reported that Disney asked employees who had recently traveled to Italy to stay home. Italy has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases west of Asia, prompting a delay in filming of upcoming movie Mission: Impossible 7.
The Centers for Disease Control say the rate at which COVID-19 spreads varies, but an increase in cases stemming from Disney World is possible. Experts say the virus passes mostly between people who are within six feet of each other, especially when they cough or sneeze. The long lines at Disney World attractions mean standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, often for hours at a time. As well prepared as employees may be, kids don’t always consider the best hygienic practices. The most determined Disney fans may introduce the coronavirus by traveling from Asia to other Disney parks. However, though there are usually plenty of international visitors at the American parks, there probably won’t be a noticeable influx from Asian residents as the parks in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo won’t be closed forever.
That said, stateside coronavirus panic probably isn’t worth closing the gates to the Magic Kingdom just yet. There are so few cases in the U.S. so far that closing Walt Disney World or Disneyland would probably be an overreaction. After all, Disneyland was able to stay open during one of the most disastrous opening days possible back in 1955. With all of the grim news lately, people may need some relief from the Happiest Place on Earth.
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Source: Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times
