Kings Island employee tests positive for coronavirus

An employee cleans while visitors walk through the food line at Coney Bar B Que on media day at Kings Island Wednesday, July 1, 2020 in Mason. Kings Island opens to pass holders July 2 with numberous protocols in place to decrease the chance of spread of COVID-19. Guest must pre-register for admission to the park and are required to wear masks and stand in accordance with social distancing guidelines. There are also hundreds of hand sanitizers statios around the park. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

An employee cleans while visitors walk through the food line at Coney Bar B Que on media day at Kings Island Wednesday, July 1, 2020 in Mason. Kings Island opens to pass holders July 2 with numberous protocols in place to decrease the chance of spread of COVID-19. Guest must pre-register for admission to the park and are required to wear masks and stand in accordance with social distancing guidelines. There are also hundreds of hand sanitizers statios around the park. NICK GRAHAM / STAFF

A Kings Island employee has tested positive for COVID-19, park officials told this news outlet today.

“The affected associate was screened, as per usual, prior to park opening,” said Kings Island spokesman Chad Showalter. “In accord with CDC guidelines, our associate and guest screening procedures and contact tracing protocols along with social distancing and proper face coverings are designed to facilitate a safe in-park experience for our guests and associates.”

Showalter said park policy is that any associate confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 is sent home for 14 days or until they test negative. Simultaneously, any associate identified as having close contact with an associate who has tested positive will also be sent home for 14 days or until they test negative.

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The workstation and general workplace where the affected associates work will be sanitized and will not reopen to other associates or guests “until proper cleaning of the facility has been completed,” Showalter said.

“The health and safety of our associates and guests is always our top priority,” Showalter said.

The amusement park prepared for opening during the coronavirus pandemic by enacting a host of safety protocols and guidelines. Masks are required for all those 2 years old and older and signs and floor decals remind guests to social distance. Those wanting to take a break from those measures can stop by Kings Island’s new, fenced-in “RelaxZone” areas where guests can sit and remove their masks.

There are also hundreds of hand sanitizers stations around the park and staff regularly cleaning rides, games, restaurants and frequently touched surfaces.

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