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Theme parks begin reopening after 3 months of coronavirus closures

Photo: Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via AP

Patrons enjoy the 200-foot dive on the SheiKra roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, owned by SeaWorld.

The state of play: After being closed for 87 days, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld in Orlando reopened yesterday for the first time since March 16.

Masks are required for visitors age 2 and up. Most people complied, although some let them droop or took them off, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

  • SeaWorld has "face covering relaxation zones," where people can sit down and take off their masks,
  • The park is selling masks decorated like shark’s teeth or a dolphin’s snout.

Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will begin a phased reopening July 11.

Go deeper: Disney becomes one of Hollywood's biggest coronavirus victims

Go deeper

Orion Rummler
Sep 18, 2020 - Health

CDC again recommends coronavirus testing for asymptomatic people

CDC director Robert Redfield testifies at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Sept. 16. Photo: Anna Moneymaker-Pool/Getty Images

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its previously revised guidance for coronavirus testing on Friday to say that testing asymptomatic people who were exposed to COVID-19 is recommended for treatment and contact tracing.

Why it matters: The CDC's modification in August to recommend against testing for asymptomatic people was not written by scientists and posted despite their "serious objections," New York Times first reported. CNN confirmed that the agency's update was published outside the agency's "normal review process."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Ursula Perano
Sep 18, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Brooks: We need to better prepare for pandemics

Axios' Margaret Talev (L) and Rep. Susan Brooks (R). Photo: Axios

Insufficient stockpiles and a lack of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a warning for America on future preparedness, Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.) said at an Axios virtual event on Friday.

What they're saying: "Congress had been beefing up for years — the appropriations for preparedness — it certainly was not enough, and we recognize that," Brooks said.

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Ursula Perano
Sep 18, 2020 - Health

Rep. Khanna: COVID-19 could change the perception of public health care

Rep. Khanna and Axios' Margaret Talev

The universal experience of COVID-19 could change how opponents view Medicare for All, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said at an Axios virtual event on Friday.

What they're saying: "The pandemic has reminded us of our shared humanity with other American citizens. It's no longer possible to think, 'Oh, we're not part of those who get sick.' Now almost everyone knows, unfortunately, someone who has been hospitalized, someone who had a serious bout with COVID," Khanna said.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow