Disney World coronavirus response includes more hand sanitizers

There is no coronavirus outbreak at Disney World, but the resort is still taking precautions, such as adding more hand sanitizer stations for guests and reminding employees about sanitation standards.

Florida has so far confirmed two cases of COVID-19, the name for the disease caused by the new coronavirus strain.

In a statement to People magazine, an unnamed Disney spokesperson said:

We have very stringent sanitation procedures in place at Walt Disney World Resort. We are in close contact with health agencies for information and guidance, and at this time, we are continuing to communicate to our Cast the importance of preventative measures such as frequent handwashing and rigorous cleaning processes.

For guest convenience, we have placed additional hand sanitizers throughout our parks and resorts and will adjust our protocols as the situation warrants.

Rampant online misinformation about the coronavirus has even spread to hand sanitizers. The truth is that yes, hand sanitizers have been proven to be effective against human coronaviruses; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a product with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.

Even though Disney World has yet to feel as many direct effects from the outbreak, COVID-19 has already had a major financial impact on Disney as a whole.

The company’s theme parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong have been closed since January 25 due to the outbreak. Tokyo Disney Resort — which is not owned by Disney, but by the Oriental Land Company — is scheduled to be closed until March 15, after the Japanese government recommended large gatherings be curtailed for two weeks in an effort to stop the virus’ spread.

U.S. theme parks, however, have not yet taken similar steps. SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Serge Rivera said on Feb. 26 that his company has “seen no discernible impact on our attendance related to coronavirus,” despite facing multiple questions about the outbreak from financial analysts.

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