The latter. I think there will always be people who want to go to Disney even if they know the threat is there for hurricane, sinkholes, pandemics, etc. Disney has a responsibility to its patrons, the nation and the world to do what the CDC and WHO recommends to keep the infections down and not overcrowding hospitals to the point where they cannot care for people properly.
"Dont touch the iron its hot!" equates to "dont go around other people!" in this case. This virus is out of their control so its not something they can realistically manage or take away even if they wanted to - however, they would like us to believe they can. The only control they have is closing the parks entirely. That is taking the iron away.
And just so we are clear - I feel that the entire reaction by the media, public, sports leagues, etc is very overblown, hysterical and the domino effect has already begun - With all of the conflicting facts we've heard who knows what the right course of action really is. BUT it is where we are right now.
If there is a concerted effort to stop the spread to help manage the amount of patients hitting the healthcare system all at once - whether that fear is necessary or not - for it to work everyone needs to do their part. Including the largest amusement parks in the world.
We are at a point where it isnt the virus itself that is the only issue, its the peoples fear of it that can manifest itself in dangerous ways we may not even be able to conceive at this point in time.