Tokyo Disney parks close for two weeks over fears of coronavirus
Tokyo’s two Disney resorts operator, Disneyland and DisneySea, said Friday the parks will be closed for about two weeks because of concerns about the latest coronavirus outbreak.
“Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have decided to proceed with an exceptional closure from Saturday 29 February 2020 through Sunday 15 March,” the operator said in a statement after the government had urged measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Operator Oriental Land said it is planning to resume operations from 16 March.
“Currently, we plan to reopen on March 16. But we’ll decide when to open by looking at the situation and developments. We’ll also consult (official) agencies concerned,” a spokesman told sources.
More than 30 million tourists visit the two parks each year, making them one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo.
The move comes as the Japanese government takes steps to combat the virus outbreak, which has been connected to at least four deaths in the country and almost 200 infections.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged schools across the country on Thursday night to close for approximately a month, except for nurseries and after-school clubs.
And the government has encouraged people to work and drive off-peak hours from home, as well as to avoid large gatherings.
