NEWS: Florida’s Orange County to Change Mask Mandate and Relax Distancing Guidelines

This week, we shared the news that the CDC had made modifications to their face mask guidelines, stating that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face mask when outdoors in certain scenarios.

In response to the new CDC guidelines, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced an update to the county’s health and safety mandates.

Mayor Demings began his press conference by stating that “If you are fully vaccinated and want attend a small outdoor gathering…the science shows that you can do so safely without a mask.” He then introduce a three-phase approach to loosening the county’s face mask and physical distancing mandates.

Phase One, which goes into effect immediately, physical distancing guidelines will be reduced from six feet to three feet. Fully vaccinated individuals should still follow CDC guidelines, including in indoor public settings.

Phase Two, which goes into effect when 50% of the population age 16 and older has received their first dose of the vaccine, dictates that:

• Outdoor face mask mandate is lifted for all individuals.
• Continued physical distancing of three feet between groups is encouraged.
• Face masks will still be required indoors except when eating or drinking.

Finally, Phase Three, which would go into effect when at least 70% of the population age 16 and older received their first dose of the vaccine AND/OR when Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5% or below, dictates that all  county-wide mandates would be lifted as a result.

For context, Mayor Demings shared that 14-day positivity rate was 8% as of April 27th. In addition, 43.4% of the county’s eligible population have received at least one dose. Right now, Orange County is reported to be at approximately 35% of its residents being fully vaccinated with both doses. The county is setting its target of 79% as “herd immunity.”

When asked about theme parks, Mayor Demings responded by saying they have been in contact with the parks and that “they will make some adjustments based on keeping guests safe. This allows them…to increase capacity.” Dr. Raul Pino added that based on the new CDC guidelines, individuals should continue to wear masks in congregated outdoor settings like theme parks.

Dr. Raul Pino also commented that the 50% threshold necessary to advance to Phase Two could be within the next three weeks. He pointed out that even if everyone in the county becomes vaccinated, there will still be a high percentage of individuals who come to visit their tourist destinations that will not be vaccinated, and so the county will need to remain vigilant in the coming weeks.

Remember that any modifications to these county mandates would apply to public spaces and county-run locations; private companies like Disney World and Universal Orlando can continue to set their own face mask and physical distancing guidelines separate from the county.

Click here to read about the CDC loosening their guidelines for outdoor face mask wearing.

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