Disney is still planning to reopen Disney World Resorts despite the surge in COVID-19 cases in Florita.
The House of Mouse opened the gates to Disney World in Orlando, Florida yesterday, giving guests a cast member preview of the post-pandemic park. Disney World is officially reopening this weekend.
This move by Disney comes as a surprise to many. The novel coronavirus has seen quite a spike the past few months, passing 200,000 cases last weekend.
Despite the dangers posed by reopening the park, Florida leaders have defended the House of Mouse, saying that Disney World Resorts is a "safe environment" for guests and park-goers.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Jerry Demings, the mayor of Orange County, has said that he was "fairly comfortable: with Disney's plan. According to Demings, getting the economy is of utmost importance right now, though he's going to make sure that an eye will be kept out for Disney World.
"We have to try to get our economy stimulated, but we don't want to do that at the expense of risking people's safety," Demings said. "We'll just have to monitor [the situation] going forward."
Of course, Disney is trying to take a few security measures. Pictures from the preview opening show fewer people and rides lined with plastic shields. Disney characters are even doing socially distant ride-alongs instead of in-person visits. Guests are made to wear facemasks. If they don't have any, then they'll have to purchase one from a nearby dispenser.
This doesn't mean that Disney is absolved of safety concerns though. Should the company really open Disney World right now knowing that there's a surge of cases in the state?
What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to let us know in the comment section below.
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