Main image via CNA Lifestyle + The Straits Times
One of the best parts about going to a theme park is to ride all the rides and scream your lungs out from the excitement and exhilaration.
But as lockdowns are slowly lifted around the world, Japanese theme parks are asking its guests to refrain from screaming as they go on their rides.
via GIPHY
Theme parks around the world have been unfortunately facing a lot of loss due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the theme parks that have been hit badly in Japan are Tokyo Disneyland, Disney Sea and Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan, which have been closed since late February.
However, with the ease on lockdown measures, Japan’s theme parks are planning on getting life restarted again by reopening their doors, but of course with the proper Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place.
Image via Daily Hive
To prepare for the theme parks’ reopening, the East Japan and West Japan Theme Park Associations have prepared a document with “Guidelines to Prevent the Spread of Infection of the Novel Coronavirus”.
Oriental Land Japan and USJ, the companies who manage Tokyo Disneyland/Disney Sea and Universal Studios Japan respectively, are in on the initiative as well.
Some of the guidelines that were proposed of course deals with the new normal the world has to endure. Guests of the theme parks must wear masks while inside the park, and have their temperatures checked at the entrances. The theme parks will deny admission to those with fevers and will also place a cap on the admissions into the parks.
Image via Fox 5 San Diego
But one part of the guidelines document has gained much attention, and this part reads:
“Roller coasters and other conveyance-style attractions –
Have guests wear masks, and urge them to refrain from shouting/screaming.”
How does one do that?!
This guideline covers haunted houses and other similar attractions too!
via GIPHY
Besides not screaming, the guidelines have also laid out other guidelines for its staff and guests to keep everyone safe.
“ ‘Ghosts’ lurking in haunted houses should maintain a healthy distance from their ‘victims’,” the guidelines stated.
Those dressed up as mascots and superheroes, as well as all park staff members are told not to shake hands or high-five with young fans and they are maintain an appropriate distance.
Characters and superheors engage in “fights” with evil villains are also advice to avoid whipping up support from spectators so as to prevent screams from flying through the air.
Virtual reality attractions are not to be operated unless the special glasses or goggles can be fully sanitized.
Vendors have also been asked to refrain from putting out toys or food samples for young visitors to touch, play with or eat, the guidelines added.
Image via Booking.com
Currently, the guidelines are not meant to be enforced, so there’s no indication that those not following the guidelines will be thrown out of the theme parks.
It’s definitely going to be hard to have so much fun and ride the rides without screaming but we guess this is the new normal that everyone needs to get used to…
What are your thoughts on the Japanese theme parks asking guests not to scream? Let us know!
In the meantime, be sure to keep playing your part by staying safe and staying home, and only going out if it’s absolutely necessary. And if you’re going out, be sure to practice social distancing.
Stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news here: https://en.syok.my/covid-19
Info via Mothership