With Florida and California, both current epicenters of COVID-19, Walt Disney Parks said Friday that it changed its mask policy for the second time in a week, while Universal canceled Halloween Horror Nights at its two theme parks for this year.
The enhanced security protocols for Walt Disney World in Orlando and Downtown Disney in Anaheim (where the theme park remains closed) specify that not all face covers qualify as masks. The updated guideline states that open-chin neck gaiters and triangle scarves “are not considered appropriate and their use is prohibited.” Neckties or ear hooks are required.
WDW has been open for nearly two weeks at reduced capacity, even as Florida virus cases increase. State health officials today reported 12,444 new cases, totaling 402,312, with 135 deaths.
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“What we have now are essentially three New Yorkers with these three main states,” said White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx. Washington Post, referring to Florida, California and Texas. (New York, the initial epicenter of the coronavirus, is now more concerned with being reinfected by aliens.)
Disney has warmed up a bit on social media to open at all and resisted predictions that it might need to close again.
Meanwhile, its rules say that face liners, disposable or not, must be made with at least two layers of breathable material; it must completely cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin; it should fit snugly but snugly against the side of the face; and must be secured with ties or hooks so that the guest remains hands-free.
Earlier this week, another mask loophole closed: It forbade guests to eat and drink while strolling. “You can remove the covering from your face while eating or drinking actively, but you must stand and maintain proper physical distance,” he says now.
The masks are increasingly recognized as lifeguards with some reluctant governors, and even President Donald Trump himself begins to pay attention to medical experts who say that facial covers are key to containing the spread of COVID-19.
McDonald’s requires skins everywhere starting August 1, following the example of large retailers such as Walmart, Target and Starbucks.
On Friday, separately, Comcast’s Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood announced “the difficult decision” to cancel their popular Halloween Horror Nights this year. The last park has not yet opened.
“Universal Orlando Resort will focus exclusively on operating its theme parks for guests during the day, using the improved health and safety procedures that are already in place. Universal Studios Hollywood continues to face ongoing trade restrictions and uncertainty around its opening time frame, ”the company said.
“We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests. We are also disappointed. But we hope to create an incredible event in 2021. “
