Hong Kong Disneyland closes over China virus fears

Hong Kong's Disneyland announced it was shutting its doors on Sunday until further notice over the deadly virus outbreak in central China, a day after city authorities classified the crisis as an emergency.

VIDEO: China locks down more cities; restricting 56 million people

Australia, Malaysia, Japan confirm cases of coronavirus infection

The park said it was taking the step to protect "the health and safety of our guests and cast members" and said refunds would be given.

Ocean Park, a rival amusement park on Hong Kong's main island, said it was also closing its doors.

An employee wearing a facemask works inside a Disneyland ticketing office. Dale De La Rey/AFP

On Saturday, Hong Kong classified the outbreak as an "emergency" — the city's highest warning tier — and announced ramped-up measures to reduce the risk of further infections.

The move came as city leader Carrie Lam faced criticism in some quarters over her administration's response to the crisis.

Macau confirms first case of Wuhan coronavirus

China shuts down transport in 13 cities 36m residents hit

Calls have been made by opposition politicians and some medical experts to halt, or limit, arrivals from the Chinese mainland where the epidemic began.

Of the five people who have tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong so far, four arrived via a newly built high-speed train terminal which connects with the mainland.

This photo shows a journalist standing in front of the Hong Kong Disneyland theme park logo. File photo/AFP

On Sunday, a newly formed union which represents healthcare workers threatened industrial action from February 3 if the government does not ban all arrivals from the Chinese mainland.

The Hospital Authority Employees Association, which is still in the process of registering as a union, said it had received 3,700 applications from members to join.

The Hospital Authority employs around 76,000 people.

Lam has resisted closing the border, saying the crisis is not yet at a point where such a drastic measure is needed.

But she has announced all mainland arrivals must now sign health declaration forms.

A series of public events, including a Lunar New Year gala and next month's marathon have also been cancelled.