Update 07/11/2020 3:25pm:

In April 2020, it was reported that Disney World was planning on furloughing 43,000 of its employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic being on the rise. Now, as coronavirus started to spike again in Florida, Disney World has decided to re-open.

The theme park in Florida reportedly re-opened on Saturday to a large crowd that allegedly was not social distancing while in line. Along with that, the lines in the park were extremely long, and one journalist even documented how bad the conditions were outside the park while people were trying to get in.

News of the re-opening comes after cases of coronavirus have been spiking in places like Florida, Atlanta, California. Florida reportedly recorded their highest COVID case count since July 4, with almost 500 newer hospitalizations happening. This is the highest on record for Florida since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

source: TMZ


Original 04/12/2020 1:45pm:

The spread of the coronavirus has hit many businesses hard, with some shutting down due to the pandemic. Other companies are having to take the route of furloughing staff, as Disney World recently revealed they are planning to furlough 43,000 of their workers due to the park staying closed.

Reports noted Disney World in Orlando had been closed since March 16, and that agreements were reached with unions for the workers. As a result, the planned layoffs will take place on April 19, 2020. A majority of the employees being laid off are facilities workers and security guards, according to Forbes.

Disney noted the employees who are being laid off would be allowed to keep their health benefits for up to a year, and the company is also offering to pay for coronavirus testing for employees in need. There’s no word on when the park will re-open, but for now, the park is being staffed by 200 people who have “essential duties.”

source: Forbes