@BGW Family -- I agree 100% with what you said. But the issue I see is the two articles you linked talk about the masks being protection from contracting the virus, but both point to masks having some effect in the spread of coronavirus. Maybe there's some level of communication disconnect, but I feel most of us talking about being in favor of masks are to impact the potential spread of someone showing up that is carrying the virus.
COVID-19 & Coasters: Coronavirus Impacts on the Amusement Industry
- Thread starter GrandpaD
- Start date
Since this discussion seems to have gotten confusing, I want to clarify my stance and what I am discussing.
The topic of this debate, as I understood it, was that face covering policies are too strict on guests at theme parks. As a result of being so strict, these policies would create a negative image for the companies that do implement them and that guests would suffer increased heat-related illness because the heat and humidity surrounding theme parks such as Busch Gardens in Virginia and Disney World in Florida is intolerable.
In line with my previous posts, my opinion is that these strict polices will actually provide a positive image for the parks that implement them. During this time, many people want to feel safe when going out. By requiring facial coverings, it provides more comfort that the parks are making an attempt to provide some protection. In reality, there are no solid numbers or data on if these policies establish a negative or positive viewpoint. So really, all that can be said is I believe it won't be negative.
As for heat-related illnesses; many people keep touting that with the heat and humidity these facial coverings will cause more guests to pass out. My response is simply that, the facial covering may almost definitely increase that risk, but there are methods and ways to mitigate those concerns. Most people who choose this concern as their infallible reasoning seem to also ignore the simple solution that is -- self responsibility. My opinion is that it is the responsibility of the guest to choose an appropriate mask for them that allows for their best breathability. They should also be prepared for such heat and humidity as that should already be the norm.
I do admit, guests seem to not care about their health when visiting parks, but their lack of responsibility should not dictate park policies. I would make the comparison that; just because a guest didn't take the responsibility to properly plan a reservation, does not mean the park should still serve them immediately without a reservation. If reservations are required, they are required. Sorry for your poor planning. This applies to heat-related illness. If a guest does not take the responsibility to properly plan for high heat and humidity while wearing a face covering and eventually passes out, that does not mean the park should revise their policy or take on any responsibility whatsoever.
I have only brought up China as reference and evidence that humans can wear face coverings in high heat and humidity and still be fine. I posted my supporting facts earlier; which show that Shanghai in China (a location where due to multiple reasons the public wears face coverings often) has a relatively similar average heat and humidity compared to Orlando and Williamsburg during the summer months. I did confess that Williamsburg showed that the humidity may reach up to 10% higher, but that isn't too bad considering heat-wise Williamsburg actually has a slightly lower average high temperature.
There also seem to be some misunderstanding with the enforcement of the policy. @rswashdc this is not an all or nothing game. Yes, face coverings are required to be worn by everyone inside the park; however, when sitting at a table to consume food or drinks you may remove the covering. That is a reasonable exception. I mean, I don't know about you, but there is no way I can squeeze a hot dog through a face covering of any kind. We can look at Disney Springs and CityWalk as examples of how the policy is currently handled. At the moment, I haven't heard of any negative reactions at either of those locations to the policies. I can also say, as having visited CityWalk myself with the restrictions, cast members are very politely reminding guests to keep their masks on and guests are complying. No one seems to be passing out or getting royally mad and leaving because of the policy. Now, is every new policy getting followed to the dot? No, not really. Queues are definitely more spaced out, but could use some refinement. I have also seen some rather rude guests cut through an exit and jump a line to see a menu; but I don't expect perfection. I expect that the majority of people will take care of themselves and comply.
In summary, my portion of the discussion is mostly opinion; however, I had provided some supporting facts to help strengthen my claims. There is no solid answer as to whether or not strict policies cause 'bad PR' as we only have vocal negative Facebook feedback to go off of. Sadly, the most vocal does not always equal the majority. There are ways to mitigate heat-related illnesses while wearing a face covering to maximize you safety and health while visiting a theme park.
The topic of this debate, as I understood it, was that face covering policies are too strict on guests at theme parks. As a result of being so strict, these policies would create a negative image for the companies that do implement them and that guests would suffer increased heat-related illness because the heat and humidity surrounding theme parks such as Busch Gardens in Virginia and Disney World in Florida is intolerable.
In line with my previous posts, my opinion is that these strict polices will actually provide a positive image for the parks that implement them. During this time, many people want to feel safe when going out. By requiring facial coverings, it provides more comfort that the parks are making an attempt to provide some protection. In reality, there are no solid numbers or data on if these policies establish a negative or positive viewpoint. So really, all that can be said is I believe it won't be negative.
As for heat-related illnesses; many people keep touting that with the heat and humidity these facial coverings will cause more guests to pass out. My response is simply that, the facial covering may almost definitely increase that risk, but there are methods and ways to mitigate those concerns. Most people who choose this concern as their infallible reasoning seem to also ignore the simple solution that is -- self responsibility. My opinion is that it is the responsibility of the guest to choose an appropriate mask for them that allows for their best breathability. They should also be prepared for such heat and humidity as that should already be the norm.
I do admit, guests seem to not care about their health when visiting parks, but their lack of responsibility should not dictate park policies. I would make the comparison that; just because a guest didn't take the responsibility to properly plan a reservation, does not mean the park should still serve them immediately without a reservation. If reservations are required, they are required. Sorry for your poor planning. This applies to heat-related illness. If a guest does not take the responsibility to properly plan for high heat and humidity while wearing a face covering and eventually passes out, that does not mean the park should revise their policy or take on any responsibility whatsoever.
I have only brought up China as reference and evidence that humans can wear face coverings in high heat and humidity and still be fine. I posted my supporting facts earlier; which show that Shanghai in China (a location where due to multiple reasons the public wears face coverings often) has a relatively similar average heat and humidity compared to Orlando and Williamsburg during the summer months. I did confess that Williamsburg showed that the humidity may reach up to 10% higher, but that isn't too bad considering heat-wise Williamsburg actually has a slightly lower average high temperature.
There also seem to be some misunderstanding with the enforcement of the policy. @rswashdc this is not an all or nothing game. Yes, face coverings are required to be worn by everyone inside the park; however, when sitting at a table to consume food or drinks you may remove the covering. That is a reasonable exception. I mean, I don't know about you, but there is no way I can squeeze a hot dog through a face covering of any kind. We can look at Disney Springs and CityWalk as examples of how the policy is currently handled. At the moment, I haven't heard of any negative reactions at either of those locations to the policies. I can also say, as having visited CityWalk myself with the restrictions, cast members are very politely reminding guests to keep their masks on and guests are complying. No one seems to be passing out or getting royally mad and leaving because of the policy. Now, is every new policy getting followed to the dot? No, not really. Queues are definitely more spaced out, but could use some refinement. I have also seen some rather rude guests cut through an exit and jump a line to see a menu; but I don't expect perfection. I expect that the majority of people will take care of themselves and comply.
In summary, my portion of the discussion is mostly opinion; however, I had provided some supporting facts to help strengthen my claims. There is no solid answer as to whether or not strict policies cause 'bad PR' as we only have vocal negative Facebook feedback to go off of. Sadly, the most vocal does not always equal the majority. There are ways to mitigate heat-related illnesses while wearing a face covering to maximize you safety and health while visiting a theme park.
Very well said @VonDerrick (sorry I thought your post deserved more than a like) and you are right, that as we talk about the insular effects on BGW (due to heat and humidity) all we need to do is keep an eye on another place requiring masks in a similar climate.
I apologize to the others that have had to endure this off-topic banter. I will address it another thread.
According to page 9 of Executive Order 65, Virginia amusement parks must remain closed through Phase 2, which begins this Friday and will last approximately 2-4 weeks.
I would not be happy if I was KD or BGW. A huge indoor gym such as The St James (450k sq ft) can re-open, but outdoor amusement parks cannot.
The 50 person cap on zoos, museums, and aquariums is so low that most probably wouldn't re-open except very small ones - e.g. Leesburg Animal Park.
I don’t think how that works for museums. I think that would 50% capacity w/ social distancing.
For museums (and other recreational and entertainment businesses): The total number of attendees (including both participants and spectators) cannot exceed the lesser of 50% of the occupancy load of the venue, if applicable, or 50 persons.
I interpret that as 50 persons max, which is doable for a small art gallery, but problematic for the Chrysler Museum or Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
I interpret that as 50 persons max, which is doable for a small art gallery, but problematic for the Chrysler Museum or Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Ahh, that’s different. They still might be able to open for members or something along those lines in that case.
Looks like Order 66 will be phase 3 ?
Attachments
Actually, this isn't backed up by any evidence. I've attached a study which examine the difference in heat-exchange rates while wearing a mask, and unless you are doing strenuous cardiovascular exercise in a P95 mask (which you shouldn't be, those should be saved for healthcare professionals), there is little difference in the core temperatures of people wearing and not wearing masks:
If you find it uncomfortable to wear masks, you can just say that. But please don't perpetuate false claims with no data to back it up. There's a reason there's a bunch of us doing peer-reviewed science out there.
I have no idea what at least 80% of the jargon in that study mean.
Edit: I guess I should have been more specific in my post. I am not questioning the study, I'm just confused by all of the abbreviations that the authors use like PFMs and FFR. I know they told us what they meant in the beginning, but it's super inconvenient to have to go back to page 1 whenever I find an abbreviation that I forgot what it stands for.
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I did not refer to core temperature. I said that wearing a mask may definitely increase the risk of heat-related illness and it is very likely that it will. The reasoning for this is simply that people will likely be drinking less fluids. By wearing the mask, they may feel less incentivized to drink fluids which is a problem considering a lot of people tend to not drink water at all in the parks to begin with. The other concern with the masks was the difficulty breathing that one might face. From personal experience, I can confirm that breathing is noticeably more strenuous. That can cause problems such as people having the feeling of suffocation which can lead to panic attacks.
Well BGW does serve Bud Light still, so pretty much water...
Cedar Fair could announce opening dates for some parks as early as next week. CEO Richard Zimmerman says that they feel good about opening parks in Texas (Schlitterbahn water parks) and Missouri (Worlds of Fun) in particular.
CFO Brian Witherow said that 2020 is a transitional season for the company and that ”the chain expects to save money by not putting on parades and live shows that cannot be presented while maintaining social distancing.”
Ohio Governor Mike Dewine is supposed to announce the earliest opening dates for theme parks Thursday afternoon. This would affect Cedar Point and Kings Island.
www.cleveland.com
CFO Brian Witherow said that 2020 is a transitional season for the company and that ”the chain expects to save money by not putting on parades and live shows that cannot be presented while maintaining social distancing.”
Cedar Fair Parks Might Announce Return Dates Next Week
www.themeparkinsider.com
Ohio Governor Mike Dewine is supposed to announce the earliest opening dates for theme parks Thursday afternoon. This would affect Cedar Point and Kings Island.
Gov. Mike DeWine says he’ll reveal Thursday when zoos, museums (and amusement parks?) can reopen
Many industry leaders have grown impatient with DeWine for refusing to set a date for the reopening of major tourist attractions, even as restaurants, bars, hair salons, gyms and tattoo parlors have been permitted to reopen.
www.cleveland.com
I agree 100% and tried making that point as someone who wears them in the heat doing work.
Dollywood reopens June 17th, with passmember preview the 15th & 16th.
Carowinds appears to be shooting for July 27th