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In contrast to major outbreaks seen in other
big cities around the world, Hong Kong has reported a relatively
small number of infections, recording 1,121 cases and four
deaths. The border remains virtually shut but life is slowly
returning to normal.
Dozens of visitors were seen queuing to get into the park on
Thursday morning, many of them families with children.
"In the past few months I missed coming here so much," said
annual pass holder Vicky Lam, 36, as she waved at staff wearing
Disney character costumes.
The park says its shopping and dining locations will have
reduced capacity and that it will implement social distancing
measures in any queues and throughout its facilities.
It will also carry out disinfection more frequently and make
hand sanitisers available for visitors, who are required to go
through temperature screening and wear a face mask.
Hong Kong's Disneyland resort, which reported losses for at
least the past three years according to annual reports available
on its website, is owned by a joint venture, Hongkong
International Theme Parks Ltd, in which the local government has
53% stake and Walt Disney Co holds the rest.
Without tourists, business for Disneyland in Hong Kong is likely
to remain subdued. It will have to rely on a domestic market
that was struggling with recession after months of often-violent
pro-democracy protests even before the coronavirus blow.
Ocean Park, the city's other theme park, reopened on Saturday
after lawmakers approved a HK$5.4 billion ($697 million) bailout
plan last month to keep it running for another year.
Shanghai's Disneyland, which is able to attract visitors from
outside the city, re-opened in May.
(Reporting by Joyce Zhou; Editing by Edmund Blair)
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