THE CLOSING of Disneyland, and reduced capacity at DisneyWorld is resulting in 28,000 layoffs (Flickr/Adam Smith).

The coronavirus pandemic, and the State of California’s reaction to it , continue to show deep impacts on the economy.

On Tuesday, the Walt Disney Co. announced it would be laying off 28,000 workers – most of them part-time employees at its Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and Disneyland Park in Anaheim.

About two-thirds of those given pink slips will be part-timers, including workers employed during the busy seasons of summer and winter break.

Walt Disney World in Florida is open, but operating on capacity limits and other restrictions adding to the company’s red ink.

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic — exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen — we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said in a statement.

Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure have a major influence not just in Anaheim, but also on surrounding cities such as Garden Grove, which relies on tourism for a big chunk of its tax revenue. An estimated 8,000 jobs in Garden Grove are dependent on Disney’s economic power.

There was one glimmer of recreation good news. On Monday, the state health agency announced that outdoor playgrounds at parks, campgrounds and other public recreation facilities could be opened after six months of being partly shuttered.

Cities will have the option to take advantage of the new policy, which does come with some restrictions.

According to the California Department of Public Health, the following rules will be in place:

• Children and visitors 2 years and older must wear a face covering;
• Households (families, etc.) must maintain a physical distance of six feet from other households.
• No eating or drinking is permitted.
• Visits of 30 minutes per day when others are present.