Walt Disney World plans to reopen its parks next month, but a petition has been started to delay that as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Florida.
ORLANDO (CBSMiami/CNN) – Walt Disney World plans to reopen its parks next month, but a petition has been started to delay that as coronavirus cases continue to surge in Florida.
“This virus is not gone, unfortunately, it’s only become worse in this state,” the petition posted on MoveOn.org reads. “While theme parks are a great way to relax and enjoy free time, it is a non-essential business; it is not fair to the people who work there to risk their lives, especially if they are at risk or have family members who are at risk. People are more important than making a profit.”
The petition has already garnered more than 7,000 signatures.
The Disney theme park, which employs about 70,000 people, plans to begin a phased reopening on July 11 for its Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks and July 15 for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, the company said last month.
A Disney spokesperson told CNN Business that the “safety and wellbeing of our cast members and guests are at the forefront of our planning,” adding that “we are in active dialogue with our unions on the extensive health and safety protocols, following guidance from public health experts, which we plan to implement.
