Universal Resort in Orlando was filled to capacity four days in a row this week, with the attraction reaching its guest limit just 10 minutes after opening on Wednesday (Pictures: Fox6)

Hordes of people have flocked to Universal Studios’ Orlando resort and filled it to capacity within 10 minutes of its opening. The Florida attraction tweeted Wednesday: ‘Today, December 30th at 8:10 am, Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure have reached capacity.

‘We anticipate reopening later this afternoon.’ the attraction shared an update after 6:30pm EST saying it was once again open to all visitors. The park has hit its capacity limit four days in a row, as people eager to enjoy themselves over the Christmas holidays traveled to enjoy its thrill rides, shops and restaurants.

Universal’s website says it is operating at a lower capacity than usual because of Covid, but does not specify what percentage of its pre-Covid limit is being enforced.

Some of the park’s attractions have been closed, with queue sizes limited, and all guests made to wear masks, except while riding certain water-rides. Universal is also popular with British tourist, the vast majority of whom are currently banned from visiting the US.

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Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis lifted all restrictions on businesses in September. Individual counties within the Sunshine State are allowed to impose their own rules on local businesses, with most choosing to.

Meanwhile, Miami Beach’s famous Ocean Drive was filmed crowded with people on Wednesday evening, with bigger crowds expected on Thursday night. South Beach will hold a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, with visitors asked to wear their face masks and remain socially-distanced.

Florida has recorded 1.29million Covid cases and 21,408 deaths. The US has a total of 19.74million confirmed coronavirus cases, and more than 342,400 deaths.

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