State health officials have now released a “path to reopening” a day after seven Disneyland unions have assured them that the theme park can be safely reopened. However, the park management has come out in opposition to this “path,” labeling it as “unworkable.”

The Hollywood Reporter says that Ken Potrock, president of Disneyland Resort, has called the state guidelines “arbitrary” and “unworkable,” pointing out that it holds them to a different standard when compared to other businesses in the state.

According to the guidelines released by State Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly, Universal Studios and Disneyland can only operate when the counties they are in are under the Tier 4 “Yellow” classification, the lowest tier with minimal infections. 

Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, is currently under the “Red” tier, which means there are a substantial number of infections. Los Angeles County, the location of Universal Studios, is a Tier 1 “Purple” classification, which means that COVID-19 is widespread in the county.

Even if the counties do reach the required tier, the theme parks can only operate at 25 percent capacity. Day-of ticket sales will also be prohibited as guests will be required to reserve their spots.

Potrock released a statement asserting that Disneyland has shown it can “responsibly reopen” and that its theme parks elsewhere in the world have implemented health and safety protocols that are based on science.

The Los Angeles Times reports that even Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu has blasted the state's guidelines, saying that the plan fails the small businesses and working families of Anaheim.

The publication also points out that keeping Disneyland closed is dealing with untold economic damage to the city of Anaheim. Citing Cal State Fullerton researchers, the Los Angeles Times says that the theme park contributes a massive $8.5 billion to Anaheim and Southern California's economy.

Just recently, seven Disneyland employee unions sent a letter to the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom vouching for the theme park's ability to operate safely.

The letter said that Disneyland has a union-approved testing program, as well as detailed plans on PPEs, theme park ventilation, and social distancing measures that take into consideration the safety of both guests and employees.

Whether the county of Anaheim can lower its classification to Tier 4 remains to be seen. Currently, the Oct. 20 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States at 8,188,585 people. Deaths caused by COVID-19 are now at 219,499 people.