Cedar Point, Kings Island theme parks opening in early July

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s two big amusement parks will open in early July, but initially to season pass holders only.

Kings Island near Cincinnati will open on July 2 while Cedar Point in Sandusky will start its season on July 9, the parks announced on Tuesday.

Both will only be open to season pass holders to start with other guests welcomed at a later date.

The parks, which had delayed their openings because of the coronavirus, said they will require all visitors to wear masks and complete health screenings and temperature checks.

Cedar Point and Kings Island along with an indoor water park operator sued the state last week, saying Ohio officials did not have the authority to shut them down. The lawsuit came after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had allowed other tourism businesses to open, including zoos, museums and aquariums.

A day later, DeWine announced that amusement parks could reopen.

Online reservations also will be required for visitors and social distancing will be in place throughout the parks, including in the lines for rides.

Both parks, which are owned by Ohio-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Co., said it will announce at a later date when its water parks will open.

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CASES

As of Monday, Ohio has recorded nearly 39,000 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases, with 2,404 confirmed or probable COVID-19 deaths, the health department said.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness and can lead to death.

The number of virus-related hospitalizations in the state was roughly 6,500.