Hours after Disneyland resort announced their coronavirus-related closure, Disney announced they are closing Walt Disney World, the company’s Orlando, Florida, theme park resort, as well.
According to a statement from a Disney spokesperson, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort will shutter on March 15, lasting until the end of the month.
“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month,” the spokesperson said, according to CNN.
Earlier in the day, The Walt Disney Company released a statement announcing the closure of Disneyland for this Friday.
“As a result of the growing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Disneyland Resort, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure is closing to guests on Friday, effective immediately,” the statement read.
Disney noted that there have not been any reported cases of coronavirus at Disneyland Resort. Still, the company felt the need to move forward with the closure “after carefully reviewing the guidelines of the Governor of California’s executive order” and serving “in the best interests of our guests and employees.”
“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,” Disney informed guests. “We will monitor the ongoing situation and follow the advice and guidelines of federal and state officials and health agencies. Disney will continue to pay cast members during this time.”
The company promised to work with folks who wish to change or cancel their visits: “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,” the statement outlined. “We anticipate heavy call volume over the next several days and appreciate guests’ patience as we work hard to respond to all inquiries.”
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump addressed the nation with concern to the coronavirus, specifically notifying Americans about actions being taken by the government for containment, such as a travel ban from Europe to the United States.
In a release from the Department of Homeland Security posted Wednesday, it was specified that the ban would apply to “most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States,” and expressly exclude “legal permanent residents”:
Today President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation, which suspends the entry of most foreign nationals who have been in certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival to the United States. These countries, known as the Schengen Area, include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This does not apply to legal permanent residents, (generally) immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation.