Coronavirus fears spark Disney park closures in Shanghai, Hong Kong
Greater China’s two Disney theme parks have closed as authorities restrict large public gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.
Operations at Shanghai Disneyland are temporarily suspended as of January 25 ‘in response to the prevention and control of the disease outbreak and in order to ensure the health and safety of our guests and cast.’
It comes at the peak Chinese New Year holiday season.
No reopening date has been confirmed yet.
So far 81 deaths have been reported with more than 3,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
"We will continue to carefully monitor the situation and be in close contact with the local government, and we will announce the reopening date upon confirmation," the park said on its website.
"We wish our guests a healthy and happy Spring Festival."
Tickets can be refunded through the original point of sale.
Chinese authorities have also temporarily closed the popular Juyongguan section of the Great Wall of China, which is normally packed with holiday visitors at this time of year.
Dozens of attractions and events have been closed across Beijing including the National Art Museum of China, the Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City and Yinshan Pagoda.
"Citizens shall strengthen the preventative measures and support the decision. We will notify the policy changes with the epidemic development. The date of the venues’ reopening will be released at a future time," a statement from the Beijing Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau said.
Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year Carnival was also cancelled.
Hong Kong Disneyland also announced it has closed for the time being although the park’s hotels remain open for now.
There are now 10 cities in Hubei province which have imposed travel restrictions, including Wuhan where the virus originated.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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