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Disneyland Parks and Universal Studios to close due to coronavirus pandemic

Published 08:51 13 Mar 2020 GMT

Updated 15:53 13 Mar 2020 GMT

Cathy Donohue

Disneyland Parks and Universal Studios to close due to coronavirus pandemic

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Disneyland Parks and Universal Studios have decided to close due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

From this weekend until the end of the month, the popular tourist attractions will close acting on advice from health officials. Although there aren't any confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Californian Disneyland Resort, governor Gavin Newsom made the decision as other restrictions take hold in the US. A statement obtained by USA Today reads:

"The hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16, to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open," the statement continued. "We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time." "Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries."

Universal Studios Hollywood has also said it will close until March 28 although the dining and shopping areas outside the studio will remain open. Universal Studios Orlando will also shut down with a view to reopen at the end of the month. These restrictions mean that by Monday, March 16, all Disneyland Parks across the globe and both Universal Studios in America will be closed in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19. Earlier this week, the WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation commenting:

"Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death". "Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what the WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do".

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Disneyland Parks and Universal Studios have decided to close due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

"The hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16, to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open," the statement continued. "We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidance of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time." "Disneyland Resort will work with guests who wish to change or cancel their visits, and will provide refunds to those who have hotel bookings during this closure period. We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries."

"Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death". "Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO’s assessment of the threat posed by this virus. It doesn’t change what the WHO is doing, and it doesn’t change what countries should do".