Disneyland Tokyo and Disneysea will extend its closure amid the raging COVID-19. (Image via AFP)

Disneyland Tokyo postpones opening to April

The closure of Disneyland Tokyo and DisneySea will be extended until April amid the concern of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Japan. The decision was made on Thursday by the operator of the amusement parks, Oriental Land Company (OLC).

The decision came after the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, urged the major event organizers to postpone any mass gathering activities for the next 10 days, in an effort to suppress the infection cases of the COVID-19.

OLC will also postpone the opening of the new areas and ride expansions, “New Fantasyland”, which were supposed to be held in mid-April until mid-May. The development of the New Fantasyland cost OLC a staggering ¥75 billion.

Written in the official statement, OLC said that it would follow the Japanese government’s further notice.

OLC closed Disneyland Tokyo since 29 February and planned to open it next Monday. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan, supposedly opening on 15 March, also postponed its opening for a week. Both Disneyland Tokyo and Disneysea are expecting 30 million visitors annually, its peak being on school holidays. Not only the locals but also foreign tourists also visit the amusement parks often.

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) tabulated that there are 620 confirmed cases in Japan. From the number, at least 15 people passed away.

Source: https://bloom.bg/2W8yTHK