Alton Towers announces plans to reopen but with lots of new measures in place

Alton Towers has announced the new guidelines which will be put in place when guests return to the theme park.

The theme park will remain closed until at least July 3rd, but the parent company, Merlin Entertainments, has announced new guidelines which detail how the park will run when it reopens.

The new measures introduced, described by Health, Safety & Security Director, Jonathan Ellis, include social distancing practises, temperature checks, reduced capacity, additional hygiene stations and advising guests to wear face masks in indoor spaces.

Alton Towers remains many people’s best trip out, especially during the summer months, and naturally many people are wondering when such places will reopen and how they will ensure staff and guests are safe. 

The new measures that will be put in place include: 

• Temperature checks will also be conducted at the gates, on both staff and guests – anyone who has a temperature which is too high will be turned away (but the park will allow you to rebook your trip for another day).
• Spatial markers are being installed at queue lines and communal areas, while one-way system will be enforced at shops.
• Riders will only be able to go on roller coasters and rides within their groups, with a row between each family – which could result in longer queues but emptier rides.
• Additional hygiene stations will be built across the park, and staff will be given additional Covid-19 training.
• Face masks won’t be mandatory as current guidance is “only advising face masks for indoor spaces”.

It’s reported that these measures will be practised for the long run. 

Mr Ellis explained: “In order to stick to these limits, we are considering a system of online booking, similar to our Fireworks events, in which we would ask all guests to book their trips in advance to guarantee entry.”

He added: “Once it is safe to reopen, we ask you to please support us in the simple steps of respecting each other when you visit; in terms of giving each other sufficient space, in keeping the resort clean and most of all in washing your hands.

“We see these not as short-term measures, but as the ‘new normal’ way that we will operate until such time as the health risks of COVID-19 are fully addressed.”

No official date has been given as to when Alton Towers will reopen but the government is expected to make a new announcement regarding the hospitality industry this evening.

Many theme parks in Europe have reopened throughout May, including Disney World announcing plans to reopen on July 11th.