As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines continues to develop, we’ve seen quite a few changes made in terms of mask guidance and rules.
Flower and Garden Mask
Just yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxed certain parts of its mask guidance when it comes to outdoor activities for those who are fully vaccinated.
In Orange County, Florida, the county where part of Walt Disney World is located, there is a mask mandate in place. The Orange County Mayor has recently indicated that changes regarding the mask mandate and social distancing rules may be coming this summer, and now we’ve got some important updates.
Earlier today, Mayor Demings of Orange County, Florida, announced changes to some of Orange County’s mask and distancing guidelines during a press conference. These new rules will become effective in phases based on different vaccination levels in the county. Here’s a breakdown:
Phase 1
Phase 1 of these updated policies becomes effective IMMEDIATELY.
Under Phase 1, physical distancing may be reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet in all settings. Fully vaccinated individuals should, however, to continue to follow CDC guidelines regarding wearing facial coverings.
©Orange County, Florida
According to the latest data from Mayor Demmings, approximately 43.4% of eligible Orange County, Florida residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines so far.
Phase 2
Phase 2 is expected to become effective when 50% of the Orange County, Florida population age 16+ has received the first dose of their vaccine.
Face Mask
At that point, the following policies will become effective:
- The face covering mandate for the outdoors will be lifted for all individuals
- Physical distancing of at least 3 feet between groups will be “encouraged”
- Facial coverings will still be required indoors, except when eating or drinking
©Orange County, Florida
Keep in mind, this phase will only begin when the county reaches that 50% vaccination mark. Mayor Demings said that Dr. Raul Pino, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, has indicated that the 50% could be reached in the next 3 weeks. But, things could change.
Phase 3
Phase 3 is expected to begin in Orange County, Florida when 70% of the Orange County, Florida population ages 16 or older have received their first dose of the vaccine and/or Orange County’s 14-day rolling COVID-19 positivity rate is 5% or below.
At that point, ALL mandates in Orange County, Florida will be lifted.
©Orange County, Florida
According to Mayor Demings, the 14-day rolling COVID-19 positivity date yesterday was 8%.
Mayor Demings said he is making this announcement with caution and doesn’t want residents to become complacent. In terms of further guidance, Mayor Demings noted that if it is unknown if a person is fully vaccinated or not, you should assume they are NOT vaccinated and take appropriate precautions.
Health & Safety Signs
When it comes to theme parks, Mayor Demings said they have spoken to the theme parks and he believes they will make some adjustments, but that those adjustments will be focused on keeping their guests safe. He also noted that they would likely be able to increase capacity.
©Orange County TV Live Stream
Keep in mind that the CDC does note that fully vaccinated individuals can gather or conduct some activities OUTDOORS without wearing a mask. But, the CDC’s guidelines also note that fully vaccinated individuals (as well as unvaccinated individuals) should still wear a mask when in a crowded, outdoor event like a live performance, parade, or sports event.
©CDC
At this time, Disney World has not announced any updates or changes to their mask policy. For the time being, masks continue to be required throughout all of Disney World at all times for all guests ages 2 and up (including those who have been vaccinated) unless specifically allowed to be removed.
Mask Rules
Guests are allowed to remove their masks when swimming, when actively eating or drinking while socially distanced from others and stationary, or while at a mask-free relaxation station. Masks may also be removed temporarily when taking an outdoor photo while distanced from others and stationary.
Certain masks are not allowed in Disney World (such as masks with valves), and guests who do not wear an approved mask appropriately will be asked to leave.
Face Mask Signage
At the moment, Disney World’s website also still indicates that guests should maintain 6 feet of social distancing between them.
©Disney
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more details on any future changes as to mask or social distancing policies.
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It is interesting that changes were put in place instantly over the past year and Dow with obvious down trending, aka science, everyone is slow to give up control.
Good Information – thanks for sharing and keeping us informed!
So everyone understands, the county is just chasing what everyone is already doing. Compliance looks high because of park coverage but even there, 6′ has been mostly ignored for a while now. And it’s quite obvious a lot of people are only grudgingly complying with face covering rules.
Hooray… we are making progress. Disney should pole guests as they enter the parks as to if they have been vaccinated. This would tell us what percentage of travelers vs. locals who enter the parks have been vaccinated. Good to know.
I hope mask wearing will end (especially outdoors.) Summer heat and masks make it difficult to breathe. Also, You exhale carbon dioxide into the mask and inhale it again. Our family is looking forward to visiting Disney World but keep postponing because our grandson has sensory issues. Fingers crossed this requirement will end soon!
Disney good for you sticking to the 6 feet and using the mask . Government up date of 3 feet out side no mask .many losing up the protecal . To increase capacixsue if it was a safer time yes . But the person in front of in back how do you know if they were vaccinated . Is Disney going to ask them for there vaccinated card to entering the park . Is this next the capacity on crowded days is enough . How many out of state people coming to the parks that are not vaccinated . In my state people are not interested to get vaccinated . What happens when they enter the parks government has to really think about the way they are moving on this issue .
are we going to be required to present our vaccination card or be asked if we are vaccinated
Herd Immunity + 79%. Fauci said 60 to 65%. Or is this yet another declaration Fauci was incorrect about? Figures do not calculate in folks that actually had Covid either. This being said: at least there is some recognition of the progress being made towards a return to normal. Now I hope Disney can hire enough CMs back to increase park attendance and reinstate fastpasses, shows, fireworks, parades, etc.
Hopefully by December we will not to have to wear a mask either way we will still have fun god bless Disney world and all the people that work there they need to b thanked for what they do for us
You just earned brownie points for using the CDC updated mask recommendations graphic appropriately. Thanks!
I wonder what will happen when out of towners such as myself walk around in the humidity and pass out because we’re not used to the heat? I hope they have considered this. Apparently not. Especially if my family and I have been fully vaccinated. I hope Disneyworld is fully staffed with emergency personnel because you’re going to need it.
Sounds like they’re headed in the right direction., however Disney World won’t be seeing me or my money until the mask mandate is completely lifted.
Phase 1 states guest should follow CDC guidelines. CDC says fully vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask outdoors. Also today WHO says outdoor transmission is and always has been extremely unlikely. No outdoor restrictions per WHO.
This is great news !
I think that Disney is doing a great job at keeping guests and cast members safe. lets not drop the ball on this too soon keep the masks on for a while longer
LeAnn, so far Disney has not said this.