Starting this Wednesday evening, Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) will close due to the coronavirus for the fourth time since the beginning of the pandemic. As of right now, the closure is expected to last until January 20th, 2022 according to Variety.

Management released a statement saying: “As required by the government and in line with preventive efforts taking place across Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland park will temporarily close from January 7 to 20. Guests who planned to visit the Park on above dates are advised to visit on another day. HKDL has been in close contact with the relevant government departments and will continue to implement health and safety measures with reference to their guidelines to promote health and safety of our guests and cast members.”

Before this current closure, HKDL was closing on Tuesdays and Thursday to meet cleaning protocols.

Due to a slight rise in cases, the government in Hong Kong is taking strict measures to ensure not to have a rapid spread in cases specifically of the omicron variant. The government announced theses measures which fall short of an official lockdown.

Variety cites the coronavirus number  by stating, “Tuesday, Hong Kong health authorities announced 13 new confirmed cased and a further 26 asymptomatic infections. These included 12 of the omicron strain. On Wednesday it announced 34 imported cases.”

Hong Kong had been operating on a zero-COVID policy with success.

Some of the measures include a ban on large events and non-essential gatherings for two weeks. The government is also closing gyms, bars, and other entertainment venues. There will also be strict restrictions on restaurant dining.

Obviously, this is not welcome news for fans of HKDL. I honestly doubt that Disneyland in California or Walt Disney World in Florida will be closed again for any amount of time despite the rise in cases due to the omicron variant.

Source: Variety