Who Disneyland Resort Laid Off In OC As All Await Reopening

ANAHEIM, CA —Disneyland Resort cast members are still reeling from the news of layoffs, which came one week ago. On Thursday, Disney shared with the Teamsters Local N0. 495 that over 1,400 security guards and attraction cast members will be part of the layoffs.

It has been seven months since the Walt Disney Co. announced closures at their theme parks worldwide. The park intended to reopen in July, but those plans were scrapped as the coronavirus pandemic raged across Orange County. As of October, Disneyland Resort is the sole property to remain closed.

According to a report from the Orange County Register, as many as8,400 Disneyland Resort employees could be laid off. The exact number of people whose jobs will be affected by the ongoing Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park closure is not yet known.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has pushed notions of reopening guidelines to the back burner, while Disneyland Resort maintains the park is ready to reopen.

Of the ongoing closures, due to Disneyland being incompatible with the 'health-first' plan as purported by Newsom, Dr. Pamela Hymel, Chief Medical Officer of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products shared:

"We absolutely reject the suggestion that reopening the Disneyland Resort is incompatible with a 'health-first' approach," Hymel wrote in a statement. "The fact is, that since March we have taken a robust science-based approach to responsibly reopening our parks and resorts across the globe. Our health and safety protocols were developed in consultation with epidemiologists and data scientists, and after considering guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and experts in local government and health agencies. All of our other theme parks both in the United States and around the world have been allowed to open on the strength of our proven ability to operate with responsible health and safety protocols."

This article originally appeared on the Mission Viejo Patch