The U.S. has surpassed 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases as of last night with 112,000 deaths. Here in San Diego there are 108 new cases, 4 additional deaths.Hot spots throughout the US have emerged and hospitalizations have gone up in about 21 states. Some of those states are Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. Another 22 states are trending downward while nine others are evening out.
Disney announced that they will begin the reopening phases at their Southern California locations. The resorts have been closed for four months. First to open up will be Downtown Disney on July 9th. Then Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on July 17th. They are hoping to open the Grand California and Paradise Pier Hotel on July 23rd. Advance reservations will be required for theme park visitors and capacity will be limited. They are going to introduce a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests, including Annual Passholders, to obtain a reservation in advance. They said they will be releasing more info on this soon. There will also be a temporary pause on new ticket sales and Annual Passport sales and renewals. Parades, nighttime spectaculars, character meet-and-greets and other experiences that draw large groups will not resume yet.
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are scheduled to reopen to the public on June 20th. Officials made the announcement yesterday.
There will be guidelines for guests:
- face coverings required for all guests over 2 years of age
- practicing social distancing
- limited dining and shopping, overall reduced park hours
- reduction of guests in the parks (operating at limited capacity)
- limited guest parking
- members and guests will not be allowed to leave the parks and re-enter on the same day
- one-way path adjustments and barriers to help guests navigate safely
- increased number of hand-washing and sanitizing locations
- robust cleaning routine
Visitors will be asked health questions upon entry.
There will be a lot of attractions not open during the initial reopening phase: the Zoo’s Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram, and the Safari Park’s Africa Tram.
Also some shows, tours and Safari experiences -- will also be closed.
The zoo and Safari Park were able to survive the pandemic thanks to donations.
They said if there is a wait time to enter the parks, they will put that information on screens leading up to the gates.
The USS Montgomery returned to San Diego yesterday after a year long deployment in Asia! Thank you for your service!