Japan is beginning to reopen some of its amusement parks — but with a catch.

To combat the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), major theme park operators in Japan are proposing new guidelines to ensure both guests and staff are safe as they open for the first time since February. According to CNN, one of the most interesting suggestions requires guests to avoid shouting or cheering while riding outdoor attractions — a request unlikely to be met given the nature of the coasters.

Additional COVID-19 prevention guidelines involve increasing sanitizing measures, conducting regular body temperature checks, using face masks, and encouraging social distancing. Employees unable to follow these rules due to the nature of their positions — like haunted house workers — are advised to keep at least one meter away from guests.

With regards to customer service staff who may also be compromised, the guidelines suggest keeping conversations as short as possible. Per the outlet, one suggestion read: "As a new style of customer service, even when you're wearing a mask, you can use a combination of smiley eyes, hand gestures, etc., to communicate with visitors.”

The guidelines were issued by the East and West Japan Theme Park Associations, which owns over 30 major amusement park operators in Japan — and they aren’t the only company making adjustments due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The famous Fuji-Q Highland, popular for its haunted houses, reopened its outdoor attractions, but only to visitors living in Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, and Shizuoka prefectures.

Similar precautions are being taken here in the United States as well, as major theme parks like Disney World are considering safety plans for phased reopening this summer.

Photo: Getty Images

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