Enchanted Kingdom to reopen Oct. 17 under strict health protocols

Enchanted Kingdom, the theme park located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, is set to open tomorrow, Oct. 17, under strict health protocols.

According to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras,” Friday, the theme park will operate under strict safety and health protocols. Tickets must be purchased online and health declaration forms must be filled out before entering the area.

Aside from checking the temperature and offering alcohol disinfectant to incoming visitors, the park will allow inside only those with temperatures 37.5 degrees Celsius and below.

There will be a holding area outside the park for those with temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius should they need to cool down. However, if their temperature stays the same or goes higher, they will not be allowed to enter.

Aside from having “Safety Wizard” patrollers to implement the protocols, numerous markers are also placed inside the park, from the rides to the stores, to enforce physical distancing.

A cashless policy is also implemented for guests buying food and souvenir items, while performers are required to wear a face shield while staging shows.

Out of the 30 rides at Enchanted Kingdom, only 14 will be operational, including the Flying Fiesta and Space Shuttle. Rides for kids are still closed down.

From a full capacity of 17,000 people each day, only 8,500 visitors will be allowed inside.

According to the theme park’s administration, the rides will be disinfected after each use.

“More on the mental effect of the people kasi nga alam natin lockdown, quarantine. A theme park like EK offers a fresh open air environment which experts say is very safe,” said Cesar Mario Mamon, chairman and president of Enchanted Kingdom.

For other rides such as Agila and Rialto, Mamon said, “kinakabitan pa namin ng medical grade HEPA at ultraviolet filters para ’yung circulating air inside will be safe.”

For now, Enchanted Kingdom’s popular concerts and fireworks are put on hold to avoid gatherings.

Only those aged 21 to 59 will be allowed at EK. The theme park will be open only on weekends from Oct. 17 to Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 3, the theme park will be open every day. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News