ANAHEIM (CNS) - Disneyland officials have confirmed the theme park will be closed indefinitely during the coronavirus emergency.
“While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain The Walt Disney Co.'s top priority,” a statement said.
“As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice.
“The Walt Disney Co. has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18.”
Knott's Berry Farm announced Saturday that it would remain closed until mid-May or soon thereafter.
Universal Studios and its neighboring CityWalk extended its closure until at least April 19. Six Flags Magic Mountain is planning to reevaluate its closure at the end of the month.
Disneyland responded to the first directive from state officials on March 11 when deciding to close, according to Mike Lyster, Anaheim's chief communications officer.
Disneyland initially had a targeted reopening date of March 31, but Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19 issued a stay-at-home order that closes theme parks like Disneyland until further notice.
“So we continue to operate on that directive,” Lyster said.
The directives also apply to the other major venues in Anaheim such as Honda Center, Angel Stadium and the Anaheim Convention Center.
Anaheim City Council members on Thursday approved a $50 million aid package for businesses, seniors and needy families in the city that have been affected by the pandemic, Lyster said.
About $7 million will fund tourism and promotion when things get back to normal, he said. Some aid will support hotels that have seen their occupancy drop since Disneyland closed.
Tourism officials are working to reschedule conventions booked through May, Lyster said.
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