LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL — Seven firefighters and paramedics who respond to emergency calls at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida are under self-quarantine, according to their union president, as news reports said the resort will temporarily shut down through the end of March based on new coronavirus concerns.
Universal Orlando Resort announced it, too, will temporarily shut down “out of an abundance of caution” at the close of business Sunday.
Both announcements came hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged “local municipalities and private entities” to strongly consider limiting or postponing mass gatherings in his state.
“We anticipate remaining closed through the end of March, but will continue to evaluate the situation,” park officials said, noting Universal Orlando’s hotels and Universal CityWalk will remain open.
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CNN reported Disney World will join Disneyland, its sister park in California, in temporarily closing the resort to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus among park visitors.
“In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement, according to CNN.
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WJXT-TV in Florida reported that Disney Cruise Line will suspend new departures beginning Saturday, also through the end of the month.
Disney World Resort officials did not immediately respond to Patch’s request for confirmation of the resort closure.
Related: Disneyland Resort Closes Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
The first responders affected by the self-quarantine work for the Reedy Creek Improvement District in Florida, which is a government-like organization that administers public services for Disney property.
“They’re not showing any symptoms. They’re asymptomatic,” Tim Stromsnes, president of the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, told Patch Thursday night of the first responders who are affected.
Stromsnes said six of the first responders attended a national emergency medical services conference in Tampa during March 4-6. A 70-year-old Broward County resident attending the same conference tested positive for the new coronavirus, Florida health officials said Wednesday.
The seventh first responder traveled to Vietnam and was forced to make a stop in South Korea.
“He got self-quarantined about a week and a half ago,” Stromsnes said. “Six of them down there just started (their quarantine) today.”
Stromsnes said two of the first responders in quarantine are captains.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District is governed by a five-member board of supervisors who hold office for staggered terms of four years.
Patch reached out to all of the supervisors for comment, but none of them immediately responded.