NEWS: CDC Eases Face Mask Guidelines

As the situation with COVID-19 continues to change and develop, AllEars will be bringing you the latest relevant news that could affect a theme park visit.

We’ve seen quite a few changes to mask policies in theme parks across the U.S. recently.

Mask policies have CHANGED in Disney World

For example, both Disney World and Universal Orlando no longer require vaccinated guests to wear face masks both indoors and outdoors in most locations, and Universal Hollywood has relaxed its face mask policy to allow guests to remove their masks outdoors. And, today the CDC shared new face mask guidance.

According to CNBC, the CDC has relaxed face mask guidance, allowing for most people to go without masks in public indoor settings as long as COVID-19 hospitalizations in their communities remain low.

Disney World Face Mask

Previously, the CDC advises that those living in areas deemed to have substantial or high COVID-19 transmission based on case counts wear a mask in public indoor settings. However, the new guidelines place a greater emphasis on COVID-19 hospitalization numbers rather than infection numbers.

These guidelines also take into account hospital capacity numbers in local areas as “an important indicator of the level of risk.”

Masks are required in First Aid locations at Disney World

Orange County, Florida (which is where Disney World is partially located) is considered “High” risk for community transmission meaning that the CDC still recommends that everyone wear masks in public, indoor settings under the current guidelines.

Currently, the federal mask mandates for public transportation (which are set to expire on March 18th, 2022) have remained the same, but we will update if any changes are announced.

For now, you’ll want to keep in mind that face masks are still required on enclosed Disney World transportation including Disney buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner.