Six Flags Prepares To Reopen With Updated Safety Measures

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The president of a major Illinois attraction said it’s a “symbol of summer” and it’s making plans to reopen.

Six Flags announced Tuesday its amusement parks, including Six Flags Great America, in Gurnee, will require both guests and employees to use updated precautionary measures as the parks prepare to reopen soon. The announcement came as Illinois prepares to enter Phase Three of Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.

"At Six Flags, your safety is always our number one priority and we have developed a comprehensive plan of new health and safety measures to help keep our guests and team members safe," said Sharon Parker, Six Flags Communications Manager, in a Twitter video.

Six Flags will now require guests to make a reservation in advance to limit the number of people in the parks to maintain social distancing.

President of Six Flags Great America Hank Salemi said the park has consulted with health experts to construct a safe reopening plan that they’ll soon present to the state. “Capacity control, extensive social distancing, extreme sanitation, new technology and reservation system to control that capacity better,” he said. “We’re anxious to do this the right way.” Another technological addition? A device that can take the temperature of all park visitors and employees. “There’s the health screening, but there’s also a security screening involved. We’re able to do that quickly and efficiently just by visitors walking through and under a canopy.”

We’ve been working hard to create a safe experience for everyone as we prepare to reopen. Here’s what you need to know about our NEW safety measures. pic.twitter.com/aKJkQHElKW

— Six Flags (@SixFlags) May 26, 2020

Both guests and employees at Six Flags will be required to wear proper face coverings over the nose and mouth. Exceptions will only be made to children ages two and younger, along with individuals with breathing problems.

In accordance with the CDC, Six Flags will enforce strict social distancing guidelines by providing markers six feet apart within lines. Though groups can remain with friends and family members within the parks, rides will require other guests and groups to sit apart the required distance.

Salemi said the park isn’t just a summer escape; it’s also a major economic driver for the state. “We employ over 4,500 employees in the State of Illinois," Salemi said.