Coronavirus guidelines ask CA theme parks to discourage screaming and shouting

According to the Orange County Register, “Ride enthusiasts could be asked to refrain from screaming on the Scream coaster at Magic Mountain, abstain from yelling on the Supreme Scream drop tower at Knott’s and avoid hootin’ and hollerin’ on Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland under proposed COVID-19 health and safety protocols prepared by a theme park industry association.”

The California Attractions and Parks Association (CAPA), which represents Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and California’s Great America is endorsing a plan that would curtail on the effects that shouting and yelling on rides could have in spreading COVID.

According to CAPA Responsible Reopening Plan, "Face covering usage and/or modifications to seat loading patterns will be required on amusement park rides to mitigate the effects of shouting. Additionally, on rides, guests generally face in one direction."

California’s "Blueprint for a Safer Economy" mandates that businesses limit activities that can spread the virus. The state included singing and shouting among the activities.

Los Angeles and Orange counties moved into the 'red tier' of the state’s reopening plan this week, which allowed the theme parks to reopen on April 1. The parks have been shuttered since March of 2020. Under the state’s guidelines, the theme parks will be allowed to reopen at 15 percent capacity, but with in-state visitors only. Visitors are limited to groups of 10 and from no more than three households together. No indoor dining is allowed in the parks and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Theme parks in Florida have been open since the summer without the same restrictions.