Morbi: Shanghai Disney becomes the latest high-profile venue to close its gates, thanks to China’s strict zero-covid policy, trapping visitors inside, the media reported. The BBC reported that people have been told not to leave the theme park until they can show a negative test report. This comes after Shanghai on Saturday reported 10 locally transmitted cases. China’s controversial zero-Covid policy has already seen millions of people lock down repeatedly, sometimes in unusual places.
The sudden nature lockdown has seen people flee shops – including the Shanghai branch of Swedish furniture giant Ikea – and workplaces as they try to avoid being trapped inside.
ride continues
However, those awaiting their freedom at Shanghai Disney can console themselves with one positive: rides continue to operate for those trapped inside ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’, the BBC reported.
In addition, surrounding areas such as theme parks, shopping streets were also suddenly closed at 11:30 local time.
Videos posted on Chinese social media site Weibo showed people rushing to the gates of the park after the announcement but they were found already closed.
Posting on Chinese social media site WeChat, the Shanghai government said the park was barring people from entering and those who could enter only after returning negative test results.
It added that anyone visiting the park from Thursday would have to give three negative test results in three consecutive days, the BBC reported.
When will the park open?
No date has been given for when the park will open. Shanghai Disney said tickets would be valid for six months and refunds would be given.
The snap closure comes just two days after the park began operating at reduced capacity to comply with COVID measures.