Walt Disney World will impose stricter COVID safety protocols again. As Delta variant cases are on the rise in the US, CDC brings back stricter masking mandate. As a result, Disney parks will start imposing an indoor mask mandate for guests age two and up by July 30, Friday.
The park lifted the indoor mask mandate last month. Also, Disney parks didn’t ask for proof of vaccination and only required masking outside. But this time around, guests can expect a different experience again.
According to Disney’s website, “Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status”. The site added that “This includes upon entering and throughout all attractions”.
Masks Even for Vaccinated Guests on Disney Parks
Indoor masking for Disney parks is a reaction to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement that even vaccinated Americans can spread the virus. In the health agency’s recommendation, vaccinated individuals should wear masks indoors again given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings already declared a state of emergency. He urged businesses to implement requiring masks indoors especially in indoor gatherings.
The CDC is concerned that cases will again go up in the US at an alarming level. CDC director Rochelle Walensky said that “This was not a decision that was taken lightly”. Unfortunately, the agency has no other choice but to bring back stricter COVID protocols. Walensky said that the “delta variant is showing every day its willingness to outsmart us”.
What makes it different from the Alpha variant last May? According to Walensky, “Unlike the alpha variant that we had back in May where we didn’t believe that if you were vaccinated, you could transmit further, this is different now with a delta variant”.
Social Media Reacts to Disney Parks’ Updated Mask Policy
The return of masks indoors received reactions on social media. Most of the comments are in favor of Disney’s move to prioritize the safety of the guests.