COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A summer institution is back open in Georgia. Six Flags White Water reopened Monday after being closed for months due to COVID-19.
Channel 2′s Chris Jose was there as hundreds of members and season pass holders stood in line to be among the first to get inside. But there are new rules and not everyone can just show up.
[RELATED: Six Flags Over Georgia unveils new safety measures]
Riley Miller and Regan Reynolds made their reservations online. It’s a new requirement because Six Flags is operating below max capacity.
“I’m super excited so we can be out and not just be stuck in our houses all day,” Reynolds said.
White Water is also requiring everyone to wear a mask with exceptions applying on the water rides and in the pools. The park will provide masks at the gate for those who forget to bring one.
Jose spoke with Six Flags spokeswoman Divina Mimis regarding what the park would do if they see people without masks.
“We’ll politely ask you to put it back on. If you have it down, we’ll find out if there’s an issue,” she said. “But we also have several mask free break zones set up throughout the park.”
“It’s not bothering me too much. And if it’s keeping everyone safe, I’m OK with it,” Miller said.
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Jose got a look at the rest of White Water’s safety and hygiene plan.
The park staff will strictly enforce social distancing. There will be distance markers at the entrance, on all rides, in the restrooms and dining areas.
Guests will also have their temperatures taken using thermal imaging technology before entering the park. Contactless bag checks are at the entrance.
Attractions where visitors cannot maintain at least six feet are closed.
“It keeps everybody safe. It keeps me from getting sick, keeps other people from getting sick,” visitor Terry Robertson said.
The opening comes as Georgia sees a surge in cases, including in Cobb County. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 174 people tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.
“It doesn’t really concern me, I feel like as long as everybody is being safe and doing what they’re supposed to be doing, it shouldn’t really be a problem,” Robertson said.
This week the park is open to members only, and then the general public on July 3.
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