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California’s plan for reopening says ‘no screaming’ on coasters

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CAPA has put together a ‘Responsible Reopening Plan’, which includes ‘no screaming’ on roller coasters, in response to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

The California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA) released its reopening plan following news that theme parks including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood can reopen with limited capacity from April 1.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly previously confirmed: “We feel like now is the appropriate time to begin to reintroduce these activities in some fashion, and in a guarded way, in a slow and steady way.”

According to CAPA, California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s updated Blueprint for a Safer Economy includes limiting activities “that are known to cause increased spread”, such as singing, shouting and heavy breathing.

Limit singing, shouting and heavy breathing

Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park

The Blueprint for a Safer Economy also notes that loud environments can result in raised voices, and CAPA’s reopening advice recommends face coverings and modifications to seat loading patterns on rides. These will “mitigate the effects of shouting”.

The association’s reopening plan includes advice on face coverings, physical distancing, and limited capacity. It states that theme parks “generally keep people moving”, which limits the duration of exposure to COVID-19.

In addition, CAPA shared advice on ventilation, saying the majority of theme parks are outdoors but that indoor attractions use “sophisticated air filtration systems”.

CAPA represents Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America.

California parks opening soon

knotts berry farm cedar fair

In May 2020, Japanese theme park associations released guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, suggesting the ‘no screaming’ rule on roller coasters.

The theme park associations had the support of Oriental Land Company and USJ, which operate Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan.

California’s theme park reopening plans depend on the state’s tier system. The majority of attractions are required to limit capacity to 15 percent.

“California can begin gradually and safely bringing back more activities, especially those that occur outdoors and where consistent masking is possible,” said Ghaly.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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