Ill-seekers? Revellers snub coronavirus threat so they can queue up and cram onto rides after Chessington throws open its gates despite official advice
- Pleasureseekers have enjoyed days out at theme parks across the UK
- Chessington World Of Adventures and Legoland remained open to the public
- Several including Drayton Manor, Thorpe Park and the London Eye have closed
- Government advice recommends individuals to avoid ‘unneccessary gatherings’
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Thrill seekers have ignored the threat of the coronavirus for one last ride on some theme park rides that have not closed their gates to the public.
Chessington World Of Adventures was one of the few attractions that accepted customers today ahead of their closure this weekend.
Legoland, which like Chessington is owned by Merlin Attractions, has also remained open but announced it will close from 5pm today.
Chessington World Of Adventures was one of the few attractions that accepted customers today ahead of their closure this weekend
The moves go against government advice over social distancing which was issued during Boris Johnson’s daily coronavirus press conference yesterday.
The parks industry had only recently begun soft openings following the end of their winter break, but dozens of families were seen ignoring advice to enjoy attractions with significantly reduced queues.
At Chessington there were only a few seats available on the Kobra Zamperla flat ride and Dragon’s Fury spinning roller coaster, two of the park’s main attractions.
At Chessington there were only a few seats available on the Kobra Zamperla flat ride, one of the park’s main attractions
Friends enjoy a ride on the Dragon’s Fury spinning roller coaster at the Surrey-based park
The full car park outside indicated that the thrill-seekers had also ignored government advice against unneccessary travel.
However, customers did display their ability to keep a two-metre distance from each other at the Grufallo Show Arena, with several empty spaces on the attraction’s wooden benches.
The company announced that the park will be temporarily closed from tomorrow.
Customers did display their ability to keep a two-metre distance from each other at the Grufallo Show Arena, with several empty spaces on the attraction’s wooden benches
The full car park outside indicated that the thrill-seekers had also ignored government advice against unneccessary travel
In a statement, the park said: ‘Further to recent updates from the Government on the response to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, we have made the decision to close the Resort from Saturday 21st March 2020.
‘We believe that this is the right decision to protect the health and wellbeing of our guests and staff.
‘If you have pre-booked your short break (arriving 20th March) or Theme Park tickets for this weekend,
‘Chessington World of Adventures Resort will remain closed until further notice.’
