In the future, Disney theme parks may implement a policy of guests getting their temperatures checked before entering. With a tally surpassing one million cases worldwide, the coronavirus pandemic has caused an upheaval in travel sectors, the stock market, the healthcare system, and the entertainment industry. In an attempt to prevent further COVID-19 outbreaks, the Mouse House shuttered all Disney theme parks indefinitely. Recently, Disney announced nonessential employees would go on furlough status, beginning April 19.
Currently workshopping plans to return to normal in the future, Disney's former CEO reveals some changes could arrive at Disney’s theme parks. Speaking with Barron's Magazine, Executive Chairman Bog Iger reveals one method in discussion to protect guests is taking their temperatures before they enter parks. Yesterday, parts of Shanghai Disney Resort reopened while implementing new safety policies. These include limited capacity, mandatory mask-wearing, and a temperature screening at security checkpoints. Iger disclosed the Disney theme parks are observing the Shanghai model and how it would look in the North American locations:
One of the things we’re discussing already is that in order to return to some semblance of normal, people will have to feel comfortable that they’re safe. Some of that could come in the form ultimately of a vaccine, but in the absence of that it could come from basically, more scrutiny, more restrictions. Just as we now do bag checks for everybody that goes into our parks, it could be that at some point we add a component of that that takes people’s temperatures.
Last week, the Walt Disney Company announced Iger, new CEO Bob Chapek, and other Disney executives opted to take hefty cuts to their salaries. Amid a slew of changes to the entertainment industry, Disney has attempted to make the best of the present circumstances. The Mouse House is releasing movies earlier on Disney+, airing Disney sports films on ESPN in place of live sports, and correcting the aspect ratio issue on The Simpsons. A guest temperature check could cause a slight delay in entering Disney theme parks, but would no doubt be an added security measure that would allow guests to safely enjoy their visit.
Source: Barron's Magazine