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Universal urges Covid-19 caution ahead of theme parks reopening

Universal Orlando Resort theme parks are to start reopening next week.

But the entertainment giant warned that it “cannot guarantee” that guests will not be exposed to Covid-19 during their visit.

Universal Orlando’s three theme parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay – will reopen to the public from June 5.

Selected venues at entertainment complex Universal CityWalk have already resumed operations and hotels will start accepting guests again from Tuesday.

“The reopening of the hotels will be carefully managed and phased, and includes a wide range of new and enhanced best-practice health, safety and hygiene procedures,” a spokesperson said.

“All Universal guests are urged to follow CDC [US Centers for Disease Control] guidelines and self-assess for potential symptoms of Covid, including cough, temperature, and difficulty breathing, prior to their arrival.  

“Guests should also evaluate their own risk before they visit – and it is not recommended that individuals at high-risk with serious underlying medical conditions visit the destination.

“People who show no symptoms can still spread Covid-19 if they are infected.

“Any interaction with the general public poses an elevated risk of being exposed to Covid-19 and Universal cannot guarantee guests will not be exposed during their visit.

“In addition, guests should be aware of and comply with government guidelines regarding travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines.”

The first to reopen include Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites.  

Guests staying at these hotels will be able to visit the theme parks on June 3-4, prior to the public reopening on June 5.

Plans for Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites will be announced at a later time.

Guests who have booked stays at the two hotels through Universal Orlando or Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations will be contacted to modify their reservation if it has been affected. 

Universal Orlando’s resort hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, have enhanced their standards and protocols throughout their operations.

The enhancements include: 

·         Guests, team members and vendors are required to wear face coverings in public areas

·         Team members and vendors will be required to have temperature checks upon arrival. Those with temperatures of 100.4 degrees or greater will not be allowed to work.

·         Guests will be asked to self-screen for Covid symptoms and comply with quarantine orders prior to arrival

·         Guests will have temperature checks upon arrival and anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will require medical clearance in order to enter the hotel

·         Hand sanitiser stations in public areas and elevator landings

·         Enhanced cleaning of guest rooms, meeting rooms and public areas with an EPA-approved cleaner and disinfectant 

·         Frequent cleaning of high-touch areas such as telephones, remote controls, door handles, light switches, elevators, and table tops, among others

·         Food and drink outlet capacities limited based on latest recommendations and guidelines

·         Social distancing signs and reminders of social distancing requirements in high-traffic areas

·         Several contactless experiences for guests, including hotel texting-services, express checkout and contactless room deliveries

A phased reopening of Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando is planned to begin on July 11 following closures due to Covid-19.

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