As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 vaccinations has continued, we’ve seen the guidelines and regulations from various government entities and even theme parks change.
Face Mask
Recently, we saw a major theme park stop temperature checks and outdoor mask requirements. The CDC has also updated its indoor mask guidance for those who are fully vaccinated. But, now BIG changes have been announced when it comes to the use of mask outdoors.
Yesterday, we shared that the Biden administration was set to release updated mask guidelines for the outdoors, and now those new guidelines have arrived. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now relaxed some of its mask guidelines, particularly as they apply to the outdoors. Let’s break it all down.
Fully Vaccinated
The CDC has released one set of guidelines for outdoor mask use by those who are fully vaccinated. A reminder that the CDC considers individuals to be “fully vaccinated” 2 weeks after their 2nd dose of a 2-dose vaccine series (like Pfizer or Moderna) or 2 weeks after a single dose vaccine (like Johnson & Johnson).
Disney World Face Mask Sign
Previously, the CDC’s guidance said, “masks may not be necessary when you are outside by yourself away from others, or with people who live in your household. However, some areas may have mask mandates while out in public, so please check the rules in your local area (such as in your city, county, or state). Additionally, check whether any federal mask mandates apply to where you will be going.”
The CDC also said that masks should be worn by those ages 2 and older in “public settings and when around people who don’t live in their household.”
Disney face mask
Now, the CDC’s updated guidance say that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks outdoors while walking, running, hiking, or biking alone or with members of their household, or if they attend small outdoors gatherings. The new guidance does not say that vaccinated individuals may forgo masks altogether in outdoor settings.
Minnie Mouse knows the importance of a comfortable face covering!
If vaccinated individuals are not in one of the listed situations, they should continue to wear masks and social distance, even while outdoors.
Not Fully Vaccinated
What about the guidance for those who are not fully vaccinated? According to the CDC, more prevention measures are needed. Unvaccinated individuals may go without their masks while running, walking, or biking outdoors or with members of their households. They may also forgo masks while attending small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated individuals. The following chart breaks down requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals:
©CDC
Keep in mind that these mask adjustments are for outdoor situations. There is separate guidance when it comes to whether you should wear a mask indoors.
At the moment, Disney continues to require all guests ages 2 and older to wear a mask in the theme parks at all times except when allowed to be removed, such as when swimming, when actively eating or drinking while distanced and stationary, or temporarily when taking an outdoor photo.
Face Mask
The CDC’s new outdoor mask guidelines state that even fully vaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask at “crowded outdoor” events. Earlier this year, Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, anticipated that some form of mask-wearing would be required in the parks through 2021. You can read Disney World’s full, current mask policy here.
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more details on this situation.
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I see guidance for vaccinated and non vaccinated but nothing for those who have had the virus and have antibodies from that. Where’s the guidance for those people?
So I take it the Disney policy hasn’t changed-then why bother posting this Article?
I don’t recall requiring the CDC’s (or anyone’s) permission to go outside unmasked and do my normal activities without a mask. So the CDC, and anyone else who thinks s/he has the power to “give permission” for me or anyone else to be outside without a mask, can get bent.
I will not comply.
Has anyone addressed that asking anyone about their medical issues, if they’ve been vaccinated or not, is a violation of federal HIPPA? And those that lose proof of vaccination, then what? I’ve heard of a few instances. So then what? Why not have everyone be responsible for themselves. You can’t make any entity, business or person liable if you catch the flu, covid, measles, etc.
My question is, the Florida governor signed an executive order prohibiting the use of vaccine passports in the state.
That prevents any business from requiring documentation of its consumers. How will Disney legally know if a person is fully vaccinated or not?
Basically, what Florida has been like for months.
You’re welcome!
ya’ll really shouldn’t publish this without an updated statement from Chapek. Because what’s gonna happen is guests are gonna say “well Disney foodblog said I dont have to wear a mask” which in turn causes problems for CM and guest services who are gonna get yelled at or worse. I speak from experience
I am fully vaccinated but wearing a mask around anyone how is not is a good idea . My family only had 3 people so anyone else I still have to wear a mask . I take I walk ever morning no mask because there is no one around me . In my state N.J the news said 1 million more people need to get vaccinated . There are
a lot of people that got the 1 st dose but not going back for the second . They all are so smart I do not think so people do not want this to end . Give it free and people think there is not with it to go . I am glad my family and I got and finished was it easy no but life is not easy . Everyone needs to be vaccinated to make to world more normal .
That’s not good news for us. Even though my wife and I have been vaccinated for well over 2 months, we still have to wear our masks in hot and humid Disneyworld? That’s horrible. They should at least allow us to not wear it outside.
Thank goodness the CDC doesn’t have the right to tell me what I am or am not “allowed” to do
I believe the CDC has clearly stated if you are vaccinated and wait for the appropriate two or three weeks to pass that you can not give or get Covid. Please fact check this. WHY ARE THOSE OF US THAT HAVE BEEN VACCINATED STILL REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS???? In caps not becasue I am yelling but becasue this is a serious question. I will flash my vaccine card so I can go maskless in the 95 degree temps with 100 percent humidity. Just ask……………….
I think Disney should follow the CDC and President Bidens mask update of not having to wear a mask while outside. Plus anyone who has had Covid and now has proof of antibodies should be under same guidelines. Even people who have had the shots should continue to test for antibodies. Everyone is getting tired of wearing masks especially with the heat in Florida that is coming.
Lisa wrote:
“And those that lose proof of vaccination, then what?”
Well, I have seen online that you can now buy blank CDC C19 vaccination cards. I’m just waiting for someone to post their card on social media…
We need to say enough is enough. CDC has been wrong more than right. Now it’s clear that LESS THAN 1% – literally NO ONE gets this thing outside… especially in the SUN. It’s so frustrating that we’re all just supposed to go along with absolutely stupid, unsupported opinion and on top of that, PAY FOR IT… Pay $100’s of dollars for a ticket where you get yelled at if you’re not wearing it, spend all day yelling at your children to keep theirs on, leave with acne all over your face, struggle to communicate and breath all day…. no, that does not sound like a magical experience…. and the whole “do it our of consideration for other people” thought has absolutely no weight whatsoever.