As we all have come to know, Covid-19 cases are rising and have continued to rise in the past several weeks. Many of us have lost loved ones as a result of this pandemic or have been closely touched in some way. As of June 10th 2020 we received what at the time seemed to be exciting news.. the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park would be opening soon.

However, after reopening the parks there has been an overwhelming rise in concern for not only the physical, but mental health of us Zoo Employees. There are more reported cases now than when the Zoo and Safari Park closed its doors on March 14th, 2020. Health Officials are stating that the 2nd wave of Covid-19 will be worse and is fast approaching unless we take action now.

The Zoo is a well known Tourist attraction and is enjoyed immensely by travelers. By being open the Zoo has encouraged not only visitors from neighboring counties with rising numbers of Covid-19 but states, such as Arizona for example, a state that is also facing a surge in Co-vid 19 cases. Guest are allowed entry as long as you can buy a ticket, and are wearing a face covering. Employees are simply asked to submit to a temperature check and answer a questionnaire in which some have expressed to have falsified answers in fear of being let go. This would mean without proper testing of Zoo employees we could still be exposing other employees as well as guest, to a asymptomatic carrier of Covid-19 or even someone who just simply does not display the fever symptom.

We the undersigned believe that the reopening of the parks was irresponsible and selfish. I as many other employees will agree, have missed our Zoo family and could not wait to return to work, however, after allowing access to the general public even at a half capacity the 'New Safety Measures' simply will not do. Now is not the time.