This week has seen a number of official announcements regarding theme park reopening dates including a number of Six Flags Parks as well as Cedar Point. Kings Island has also been added to the list of parks reopening soon as they made an official announcement on June 9, that the park will reopen to Season Passholders only on July 2-11 before opening to daily ticketholders (and Season Passholders) on Sunday July 12.

As we have seen with all other theme parks that have either already reopened, or have announced reopening dates, new intensive health and safety protocols have had to be put in place in light of COVID-19 still being present. These measures must adhere to government issued guidelines.

Kings Island makes this very clear in its statement by saying, "the park will operate with stringent hygiene protocols and procedures to manage capacity and enable social distancing." They go on to say that "The park’s new health and safety protocols align with CDC recommendations, and have been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts, along with our state and local government officials.”

Here is a summary of the new health and safety protocols that will be in place if you choose to visit:

• Mask Wearing - all employees and guests will be required to wear a mask as directed by the protocols.
• Temperature testing - all guests and employeees must undergo a touchless temperature screening before entering the park. 
• Health Screening - all guests must complete a health screening declaration 24 hours before admission to the theme park.
• Social Distancing - markers and signage throughout the park to assist with social distancing of 6ft.
• Ticket Reservation - ALL Guests (including Season Pass holders) MUST make a reservation for their visit using the Kings Island mobile App.
• Touchless transactions
• Limited Employee/guest contact
• Enhanced Cleaning Procedures - in high-touch areas, dining locations, hotel rooms and restrooms.
• Hand sanitization stations - additional hand sanitization stations to be located throughout the park.
• Capacity management - throughout the park.

Mandatory mask wearing has been an extremely contentious issue and it looks like from the announcement mask wearing will be required but as it states "as directed by protocols" this leaves us not 100% sure what to expect although it seems like that mask wearing will be required by all, as in the case of Cedar Point. I am guessing if mandatory mask wearing is not expected, these protocols will be announced soon so guests understand what is required of them before making a decision as to whether they will visit. All other measures appear to be standard procedure as parks reopen across the US and the world.