Update: Hearst Castle is closed due to coronavirus
Update 10 a.m. Monday:
California State Parks announced Sunday that it is closing Hearst Castle, effective immediately. All planned tours have been suspended and full refunds will be given.
Hearst Castle’s visitor center will also close, according to a news release.
Original story:
Hearst Castle in San Simeon will suspend all tours and events starting Monday due to the coronavirus, according to a news release.
A day before the announcement, San Luis Obispo County declared a public health emergency because of coronavirus pandemic. San Luis Obispo County has no confirmed cases; however the public health department has advised that people practice “social distancing,” maintaining 6 feet of space from others.
California State Parks, which manages the castle, said suspending tours is part of its effort to “protect public health and the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff,” according to the release.
Hearst Castle will continue day tours Saturday and Sunday only for those who reserved tours in advance. Evening tours have been canceled.
Full refunds will be given to anyone who wishes to cancel their tour this weekend, according to the release. Tour reservations made for future dates will be automatically canceled, and customers will be given full refunds.
The Hearst Castle visitor center, including food services and gift shop, will remain open all week.
Hearst Castle tours are among the many events that have been suspended or canceled due to the pandemic. The Paso Robles Children’s Museum and the Central Coast Craft Beer Festival announced closures this weekend. Many San Luis Obispo County schools also announced they will be closing.
This story was originally published March 14, 2020 at 4:00 PM.
