California Health and Human Services secretary Mark Ghaly held a viryual press conference on Tuesday giving on update an the state's plans for theme parks and outdoor sporting events.
Regarding theme parks, Dr. Ghaly said there are two separate categories -- one for larger parks, one for smaller parks.
That plan allows smaller theme parks in California to reopen with 25% capacity (or 500 visitors, whichever number is lower) in counties that are in the Orange-Moderate tier. Smaller parks may only open outdoor attractions and ticket sales are limited to visitors within the county. Large theme parks can reopen at the same capacity when counties reach the yellow-minimal tier.
The parks must implement a reservation system and screen guests for COVID-19 symptoms. Face coverings are mandatory through the park unless eating or drinking.
The new guidelines mean Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City will have to wait, as Orange County remains in the state's red tier and Los Angeles remains in the most restrictive purple tier.
Professional sporting events in California can open up to fans in outdoor stadiums when a county reaches the Orange-Moderate tier with a limit of 20%. Counties in the least restrictive tier can have capacity at 25%. Ticket sales must be in advance and face coverings are required.
California health officials say they don't have plans to release reopening guidance on college sports.
Dr. Mark Ghaly says the state will use the pro sports plan to analyze how it can be applied to college in the future.
