Legislation was introduced in California that would lower the threshold for theme parks to reopen during the pandemic.
Introduced by Democratic assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) and Republican assembly member Suzette Valladares (R-Los Angeles/Ventura counties), the measure would permit parks to open when their home county reaches Tier 3, or moderate levels of Covid-19, as
opposed to the currently required Tier 4, or minimal levels of
coronavirus.
At press time, there was no information as to when the legislation would be put to a vote.
Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Attractions and Parks Association, said in a statement that the association "deeply appreciates" the legislation.
California theme parks have been lobbying for permission to open for months, often citing successful operations in Orlando as proof they can operate safely amidst the pandemic.
"Nearly a year after parks closed in response to the pandemic, tens of thousands of employees remain out of work, while local businesses, communities surrounding theme parks and local governments face ongoing negative consequences," Guerrero said. "Covid transmission rates are improving, and the vaccination distribution is underway, yet California's major theme parks have no timeline and no realistic pathway toward reopening if left in the 'Yellow Minimal Tier 4' of state guidance."
California designates, by county, tiers based on the county's adjusted case rate and its test positivity rate. Tier 1 indicates Covid-19 is "widespread;" Tier 2, "substantial;" Tier 3, "moderate," and Tier 4, "minimal." As of Thursday, most of the state was designated Tier 1, including Orange County, which is home to Disneyland, and Los Angeles County, where Universal Studios is located. Mariposa County was in Tier 2, and Trinity, Sierra and Alpine counties were in Tier 3.