Gov. Gavin Newsom said progress is being made on COVID-19 health and safety guidelines for California theme parks that would allow the states major tourist destinations to reopen after nearly six months of coronavirus closures.

Newsom commented on his discussions with Disney, Universal and other major amusement park operators during a news conference on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Were making a lot of progress, Newsom said regarding theme parks.

SEE ALSO: How Disneyland could reopen under Californias 4-tier plan

Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knotts Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California, Six Flags Magic Mountain and other California theme parks closed in mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic and remain shuttered indefinitely while they await state guidelines for safely reopening.

We still have work to do, Newsom said during the press conference. Progress is being made. Were still working on some details and as soon as we are at a point where we can socialize, we will.

SEE ALSO: Are California theme parks too risky to reopen?

Californias new COVID-19 four-tier plan allows the states businesses to return with outdoor-only operations followed by reduced capacity for indoor services but theme parks were not included in the plan.

Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, Six Flags and Legoland have safely reopened theme parks in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, France, England, Germany, Denmark, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, Missouri and Oklahoma following extended coronavirus closures.

Theme parks were not included in the business sector guidance list released by Newsoms office that detailed the new four-tier system that took effect Monday, Aug. 31. The revised Blueprint for a Safer Economy lays out criteria for loosening and tightening COVID-19 restrictions in California counties. The states COVID-19 website showed the status for theme parks as closed for all four tiers.

SEE ALSO: What Tokyo Disney changes could mean for Disneyland

Most California counties with major theme parks fall into the most restrictive widespread risk level including Orange (Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm), Los Angeles (Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain), Solano (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) and Santa Clara (Californias Great America).

San Diego County home to SeaWorld and Legoland was in the substantial risk level, one level down from widespread.

Last week, Legoland California called on the governor to issue guidelines for theme parks to safely reopen.

We dont expect to open today, but we just need some sort of indicator as to where things stand, Legoland California president Kurt Stocks said. We have been asking for many months now for the state to issue us guidance.

Legoland joined a growing chorus of voices from Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Six Flags calling on Newsom and state officials to let California theme parks reopen.

Disneyland has been ready to roll since July, Disney Worlds chief operating officer Jim MacPhee said during a Florida theme park roundtable in late August.

SEE ALSO: Disneyland delays Mickey and Minnies Runaway Railway to 2023 as vertical construction begins

Some California theme parks have come up with creative ways to partially reopen amid the pandemic.

SeaWorld reopened in late August with Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ and Brews event featuring zoo exhibits, stadium shows and a food festival while rides remain idle.

Discovery Kingdom reopened the Marine World Experience in early July with animal exhibits and shows while keeping its amusement park areas closed.

Knotts began a series of food, beer and wine events in mid-July while keeping its theme park rides and attractions closed.

The San Diego Zoo and its Safari Park reopened in late June.

Other California parks have given up hope of opening this year.

Great America canceled plans to reopen for the rest of 2020. Raging Waters water park in San Dimas canceled its summer season.

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Newsom: California making a lot of progress toward reopening theme parks - OCRegister