Coronavirus USA: Disney World reopens despite Florida virus surge

Despite the US recording over 70,000 new coronavirus cases, Disney World has pushed on and opened numerous parks around Florida.

Despite the US recording over 70,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day on Friday, all manner of businesses are reopening, including Florida’s Disney World.

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened Saturday, while Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will reopen on July 15.

But “The Most Magical Place on Earth” isn’t set to keep that title for long if Florida’s virus cases keep spiking.

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Crowds walk through Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World on July 8, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Picture: Octavio Jones/Getty Images/AFP

The state reported 11,433 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, its biggest daily increase since July 3, when 11,458 cases were recorded.

Florida’s health department reported 435 more hospitalisations — the state’s largest single-day increase.

The statewide COVID-19 death toll has surpassed 4200.

Florida was one of the four states that contributed to the USA’s record-breaking tally in terms of coronavirus cases on Friday.

California, Texas and Georgia were also contributors.

In comparison, Australia’s state of Victoria recorded 273 new cases of coronavirus today. A stage three has been called in greater Melbourne to combat the alarming spike.

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Nikki Hastings and Carlos Aguilera gift shop for Disney apparel for relatives at the LBV Gift Shop on July 8, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Picture: Octavio Jones/Getty Images/AFP

The spike in cases has prompted many cities and counties around Florida to reinstate restrictions and safety protocols that had been lifted in May, when cases seemed to drop.

However, with the reopening of Disney World, Florida doesn’t appear to be following suit.

Although new safety procedures are going to be introduced in the Disney parks, experts are sceptical.

Visitors are required to practice social distancing and wear face masks. Only people with reservations can enter the parks and they won’t be allowed to hop between parks.

Tickets for the month of July have already been sold out

People have to wear masks if they wish to visit the theme parks. Picture: Octavio Jones/Getty Images/AFP

Some governors have made it mandatory to wear face masks anywhere in public in their states; surprisingly enough, even a Republican governor from Texas backed the move.

But Florida’s governor has remained adamant that things will remain as they are.

Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, said at a press conference Saturday that he won’t issue a statewide mandate on face masks.