In June of this year, Orange County, Florida, Mayor Jerry Demings signed an executive order that mandated the wearing of face masks in any public space in response to the global health crisis.
And after an initial surge in cases in July, the daily positivity rate in Florida’s Orange County (in which Walt Disney World is located) has seen a downward trend over the past several weeks.
In a press conference on Monday, the Mayor shared that the current average positivity rate in Orange County is 5.9%. He specifically cited August 23rd’s positivity rate of 4.29%, stating that it was the third day in a row that the daily positivity rate was below 5%.
The Mayor spoke about receiving questions from the public as to whether he expects plans to relax the mandate.
His response, per his statement at the press conference, was: “No, I don’t. I intend to leave it in place for the foreseeable future because I believe that it is playing a significant role in reducing the spread of the virus within our community.”
This follows recent comments from Orange County officials regarding the possibility of mandated mask-wearing into next year. As we discussed earlier this month, Dr. Raul Pino, the health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, said that the mask requirement could last, “Until maybe the spring, or until we have a vaccine.” He also credited the county’s face-covering requirements with helping to contain the spike in positive infections.
Read about the guidelines for wearing a mask in Walt Disney World here.
Walt Disney World has very specific face covering guidelines for guests visiting any area of the Resort — from the theme parks, to the Resort hotels, to Disney Springs. You can read more here about the guidelines for wearing masks in Walt Disney World Resort. And if you are interested in following the latest information on the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort, you may visit any of the links below.
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
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Have you been following the the news coming out of Florida’s Orange County? Please let us know with a comment.
Alice says
I asked this question already and no answer so I’ll try again. Vented masks are not allowed but can you put tape over the vent valve and wear them? Thanks for finding out answer pertaining to WDW.
Richard Mercer says
If you show any more photos of that color MIckeys mask, I’m going to make you sell me one!!
I want one desperately, but they aren’t on shopdisney, so I guess I have to wait for my Dec trip to get one.
Jm says
WDW will continue to bleed money in the foreseeable future.
DFB Sarah says
Alice, I will check with the team.
Roz says
We were at WDW a week and a half ago and the heat index everyday was 104 and wearing mask made it almost unbearable but stopping at designated areas to remove the mask and drinking tons of water really helped. With that said we hope to come back in February when it’s so much cooler and I think wearing the mask will totally be okay.
Jack says
Wearing a mask a few minutes while grocery shopping is one thing, wearing a mask12 hours a day in the heat is another. Me and my family will not return to Disney until the mask requirement is lifted.
AML says
Why try to circumvent the rules? No, it would not be allowed. They are very strict. Get a mask with no valves.
Alice says
Thanks AML, already had the masks before they issued the new rule. Wanted to know if we can still use them modified. Appreciate your input but need official clarification. Already bought different kind so you don’t have to get upset. Thanks again
DFB Sarah says
Alice, our onsite folks tell me they have not heard anything on this officially. They say if you want to try it, you would want to bring a backup option in case it’s not allowed. Sorry we don’t have something more concrete for you.
Alice says
Thank you for checking. I always appreciate you and DFB. We’re going late September so plan on trying anyway but already have backups too. Thanks again!
DFB Sarah says
Alice, have a relaxing, fun time.