SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Local San Diego County attractions announced Sunday that they will close as a stay-at-home order takes effect in Southern California.
The restrictions for the region begin at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
SeaWorld announced a temporary closure beginning December 7. The closure will remain until the region’s zoos are allowed to reopen, the amusement park said.
“During this time, our veterinarians and animal care experts will continue to provide the animals that call SeaWorld San Diego home the same high level of care," SeaWorld said in a statement. "Our animal rescue and rehabilitation operations will also continue to conduct their important work that is a hallmark of our company."
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The San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Birch Aquarium also announced closures starting December 7.
“We continue to have essential and dedicated staff on grounds at both parks, ensuring that the wildlife in our care continue to thrive. The urgent nature of our work to save species is unchanged, even in the face of this pandemic. Species will continue to disappear from the planet at an accelerated rate if we do not remain steadfast in fulfilling our mission. We keep at the forefront of our thoughts the well-being of these dedicated employees and the many volunteers who make our parks such special places to visit. We look forward to the day we get to welcome our guests back,” the zoo said.
LEGOLAND California has not officially announced closing, but the park's website has changed the last day of its holiday event from Jan. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 6.
The USS Midway Museum also closed to visitors on Sunday.
The news comes as the region fell below the 15% ICU threshold, triggering the restrictions.
The State Department of Public Health said the entire Southern California Region, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Imperial, Inyo, Mono, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties fell to 10.3% ICU capacity on Sunday.
