With Gov. Mike DeWine's announcement that larger entertainment venues can begin to reopen, Cedar Point and Kings Island both announced plans to welcome back visitors next month.
At both parks, employees and guests will be required to wear masks and will undergo a touchless temperature screening before being allowed to enter the park.
Cedar Point in Sandusky will open initially to season passholders on July 9, then resort guests and visitors who pre-purchase tickets will be admitted beginning July 11.
The park is instituting safety rules including required reservations, health screenings and social distancing.
“The safety of all of our guests and associates has always been, and will always be our top priority. We’re looking forward to returning to summertime fun in a safe and healthy manner,” said Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point, in a news release.
Kings Island in Mason will open to season passholders on July 2, and then expand to welcome daily ticket buyers on July 12.
While both amusement parks are implementing measures for guest safety, Dr. Amy Edwards from University Hospitals says that things like screaming on rides, for example, could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.
“Screaming just excretes massive amounts of droplets and it’s all streaming behind you, to the people behind you," Edwards says.
Cedar Point and Kings Island also plan to add more hand sanitizing stations and enhance cleaning procedures.
DeWine's plans for reopening amusement parks arrived soon after a lawsuit from Kings Island and Cedar Point claimed it was unconstitutional for the state to keep those facilities closed while allowing indoor entertainment facilities to reopen. An Ohio House committee then passed a bill with an amendment allowing amusement and water parks to open, regardless of public health orders.
In addition to amusement parks, casinos, racinos and water parks can reopen June 19.
