The situation with the COVID-19 virus continues to change and develop in the United States and around the world.
Health & Safety Signs
Recently, we’ve shared updates about the COVID-19 case levels in Florida, the possibility of future approval for a vaccine for those younger than 12, and how the Delta variant could impact your future Disney trips. Now, we’ve got an update from the Orange County, Florida mayor about case rates in the county.
Part of Disney World is located in Orange County, Florida, which is why we’ve been keeping close tabs on case rates in that county and what its mayor has had to say regarding mask recommendations and more.
Earlier today, Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County, Florida held a press conference regarding COVID-19 case rates in the county. During that conference, Demings noted that “COVID-19 really remains a significant threat to our community” and that, “According to the CDC, Florida, Texas, and Missouri account for 40% of all cases nationwide at this time.” Demings also noted that for the second week in a row, Florida accounts for…1 in 5 new cases, and most of all these new cases are amongst unvaccinated people.
Health & Safety Reminders
Demings shared that in Orange County, Florida, they are seeing nearly 1,000 new cases daily. Demings noted, “Those are the numbers we saw at the highest peak last year. It took us approximately 1 month last year before we saw 1,000 cases cumulatively here within Orange County. Now we’re seeing them daily.”
Demings then went on to say “we are now in crisis mode.”
Disney World Health and Safety Signage | Prior to Recent Mask and Distancing Changes
In terms of the most recent numbers, Demings shared that Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate remains at double digits, specifically as of Saturday it was 13.96%. He noted that one month ago it was 4.28%. Demings also stated that residents are still getting vaccinated but at a slow pace.
As of the most recent numbers, 61.59% of Orange County residents 12+ have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
©Orange County, Florida
Demings shared “bottom line is that the Delta variant cases are on the rise.”
Dr. Herrera, the Chief Medical Officer of Advent Health also shared that their hospitals have continued to see an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. He also noted that “over 90% of patients that are in the hospital right now with COVID-19 did not get a COVID-19 vaccine.”
Dr. Pino of Orange County shared that the total number of cases in the county is just over 160,000, and the total number of deaths is 1,388, with ages ranging from 27-85 in terms of those who have passed away.
Health Signage
In terms of mask mandates, Mayor Demings has previously recommended that individuals wear masks indoors and in crowded places. He again noted this and during today’s conference, specifically in reference to the conversations they’ve had with businesses in the county and generally in the context of those businesses’ employees.
Demings said that they are continuing to explore the potential, efficacy, and legality of instituting any type of mask mandate. He noted that there is a high bar that would need to be met. He shared that the next 24-48 hours would be critical to his future decisions.
©Orange County, Florida
Note that at this moment, no changes have been made regarding Disney’s mask policy. At the moment, fully vaccinated guests are required to wear masks on Disney transportation, except ferry boats.
©Disney
There are separate rules and regulations for guests who are not fully vaccinated.
©Disney
Note that Disney is not asking for proof of vaccination.
Click here to see our full break-down of Disney’s current mask policy.
While these changes are not taking place in Florida, we did want to note that mask changes have started to take place in some areas of California. In LA County, California, masks are required once again indoors and Universal Studios Hollywood (in California) is once again requiring masks indoors.
Disney Masks
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates from Orange County, Florida regarding COVID-19 and let you know what we find.
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It is negligient for Disney to not reinstate a mask mandate. They are a private business-they have the legal right to do so and SHOULD. It’s a shame they haven’t take the steps, seeing these alarming numbers.
While the post date is in the URL it would make it easier, especially in posts about health and safety, to have the post date in the article with the author.
We really appreciate the updates you all put out.
I hope they aren’t basing all these “cases” on the PCR test that the CDC has recently decided was not accurate enough and will be removing emergency use from later this year.
Thanks for always keeping us abreast of all things WDW! Would you guys ever consider putting a date on your articles or blog posts so we know when they were written or am I just overlooking it somewhere?
COVID-19 according to CDC has 4 variants at present that are marked as VOC ( virus or variant of concern) . The one that is prevalent in Florida and Orange County is the Delta variant. The vaccine still covers you against this variant. Those that are not vaccinated are susceptible to this strain . The concern with virus is that they constantly mutant. Hopefully , it will not mutate to a strain that becomes more potent that causes the vaccine to become ineffective. Those that are vaccinated can still harbor the virus in the nasal passages but do not become ill. But when they speak, cough or sneeze the virus is released into the air and those not vaccinated can become ill. I can not understand why people who are not vaccinated don’t wear a mask ,keep 3-6 feet distance to protect themselves and others that are not vaccinated. This , I’ m afraid will lead to an dramatic increase in cases that will bring back increased restrictions for all of us .
Hi, Marcee. The dates are in the URLs. 🙂 I’ve shared this request to have them in the actual articles as well.
AH! Thank you so much! Never saw that!
Thanks, Keith. I completely understand. I’ve shared this sentiment with the team.
We were at WDW last week. Everyone in our party was fully vaccinated, and our immediate family wore masks inside. Few others did. We have now tested positive for Covid. We’re generally fine– moderate cold symptoms– but in retrospect we regret going.
Remember folks, number of cases is completely irrelevant. A positive test result with no symptoms is not a clinical case of C19. The theme parks won’t reverse course, business is good and the State will block any attempt.
My wife and are are both fully vaccinated. We returned from a week in Orlando with cold and mild flu like symptoms after being mask less the entire trip. Today both our Covid tests came back positive. Fortunately we are not all that sick but would highly recommend to everyone, especially those not vaccinated, to wear masks regardless of the requirements.
Personal opinion: Please leave the parks open for those that have immunity from having Covid and for those that have been vaccinated. Group three of unvacinated are maning a personal choice.
2 words. Personal Responsibility. If you’re afraid being around the public, stay home. Let the rest of us get back to living a normal maskless life.
There is no test for the Delta variant, so I’m not really sure how the mayor could be so positive that that is the strain “running rampant” in Florida. ..
Considering kids are STILL not vaccinated I find it reprehensable that WDW hasn’t dropped their levels and required masks full time again.
___ that Mouse.
Response to Sam L: What do you mean “there is no test for the Delta variant”? I am not 100% sure, but I do believe the standard Covid-19 test detects and indicates the Delta variant as was as other variants. If there was not test to determine it, how would they know it exist? Why do people look for any excuse to downplay and disregard the seriousness of Covid-19?
To Sam L. . The covid 19 test exams the construction of the virus. The spikes that surround the virus is what determines if it is a variant and which variant it is any. There are a number of variants that exists at this time and the characteristics of the spikes is what distinguish and classification of the variant.
Response to Ronjon – not really sure how my stating the FACT that there is not a test that specifically says if you have the Delta variant is downplaying anything. I will say that when viruses mutate, they typically (not always but the vast majority of the time) become more contagious (the Delta variant is proving that to be true), BUT they also become less deadly / less likely to cause serious illness. But I guess you’ll tell me I’m “downplaying” again because I’m simply stating scientific facts.