As more and more cases of Coronavirus pop up in the United States, including a couple cases in Florida, Walt Disney World has issued a statement on their response to the situation. Summarized, Disney is monitoring the situation and will adjust their protocols accordingly depending on how things pan out.
Disney’s statement via People.com:
“We know there is new information this week about Coronavirus in Florida. We have very stringent sanitation procedures in place at Walt Disney World Resort. We are in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to communicate to our Cast the importance of preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and rigorous cleaning processes. For guest convenience, we have placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our parks and resorts and will adjust our protocols as the situation warrants.”
Additional hand sanitizer stations in the park are a welcome change. However, we’d like to see these in place regularly in an effort to prevent the spread of other illnesses throughout the year.
Disney has already closed three of its theme parks – Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo – and has been keeping a close eye on its park in Paris. Realistically, closing either of the American theme parks would likely fall under a “worst case scenario” should the virus continue to spread. It’ll take a more widespread outbreak or regulations restricting large gatherings before either Disney park in the United States would close.
Based on the huge crowds that showed up for the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, guests aren’t staying away from Walt Disney World. Yet. That could change in a hurry in the coming days or weeks.
