Disney shuts down US, Paris theme parks due to COVID-19 scare

Disney has suspended operations in its US and Paris-based theme parks amid the rising number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the world.

On Twitter, Friday, Disney Parks announced the closure of the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure from the morning of March 14 until the end of the month.

"The Hotels of Disneyland Resort will remain open until Monday, March 16 to give guests the ability to make necessary travel arrangements; Downtown Disney will remain open," the company said in a statement.

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— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) March 12, 2020

In another announcement, Disney said that it has also proceeded with the closure of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort beginning March 15 until the end of the month.

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— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) March 13, 2020

"The hotels at both Walk Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice," the company said.

The Disney Cruise Line will also be suspended, said the company, from March 14, Saturday (US time) until the end of March. 

Disney promised to "continue to pay its cast members during the closure period."

Earlier, Disney Parks in Tokyo also announced suspension of operations until early April.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the COVID-19 as a pandemic. —Angelica Y. Yang/MGP, GMA News