Disneyland Visitors Like Covid Tracing Flexibility

The magic is back at Hong Kong Disneyland as it reopened on Friday, and many visitors say they like the option of using either the government's LeaveHomeSafe app or the theme park's own contact-tracing device.

Infection-control measures were put in place to safeguard the health of visitors and staff alike as scores of people flocked to the theme park after a break of more than two months due to Covid-19.

Many visitors had booked their tickets online, and as they entered Disneyland they had their temperature screened.

And to get into the restaurants and certain facilities, they would either use the LeaveHomeSafe tracing app, or scan a QR code offered by the park and have their personal information recorded.

A visitor, surnamed Chan, used Disney's QR code to enter a restaurant.

He has not downloaded LeaveHomeSafe, citing privacy concerns, and would rather have his personal information kept by the theme park.

“Everyone knows why... I trust the Disneyland more than the government," he said.

Another visitor, surnamed Kisyov, chose to use the LeaveHomeSafe app instead.

“I think it is fine, because that’s the only way to trace people. If you want to know where the virus is going, you should trace it... it just takes some minutes [to scan], it’s very quick,” he said.

Kisyov hopes Disneyland could stay open. He said he doesn't consider visits to theme parks to be high-risk activities because people don't stay close to one another in an open area.

A secondary-school student surnamed Yim, who was wearing an Olaf mask and hoodie, said he's just happy to be here.

“I don’t [mind] scanning and giving information to them. I think Disneyland is just like my girlfriend.

“Every time Disneyland is closed, I’ve been waiting for a long time. So actually I will love Disneyland [as long as] it reopens,” he said.

Other social-distancing measures include requiring park visitors to keep a safe distance when taking photos with Disney characters and all performing staff to wear masks.

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