Downtown Disney Bans Masks With Valves, Mesh Or Orifices – Orange County Register

Disneyland has tightened the requirements for COVID-19 face masks at Downtown Disney for the second time in less than a week with a view to strengthening health and safety protocols at the outdoor mall next to Disney’s closed theme parks in Anaheim. .

A trio of new bans seeks to close loopholes in Downtown Disney’s mandatory mask-wearing policy and prevent visitors from circumventing the mandate.

Downtown Disney’s updated policy now prohibits facial linings that contain:

• Valves
• Mesh material
• Holes of any kind

SEE ALSO: These are the 26 stores and restaurants that reopened in Downtown Disney

The latest update to the Downtown Disney website follows changes from last week that banned leggings and neck scarves while also closing the so-called “slurp and walk” loophole.

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure along with Disney’s Anaheim hotels remain closed until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Downtown Disney outdoor mall reopened to long lines and crowds on July 9.

Downtown Disney reopened with additional health and safety measures including mandatory face masks, temperature controls, reduced capacity, social distancing, and improved disinfection. Mandatory face masks should be hands-free, snug, secured with ties or ear muffs, and cover the nose and mouth. Costume masks are prohibited.

SEE ALSO: Will Disneyland offer discounted tickets for locals when the park reopens?

N95 respirators and other masks with exhalation valves can allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape, according to the US Centers for Disease Control. Masks with holes or flaps for straws or so-called “breathable” masks made with Mesh, lace, or other transparent materials may not prevent the virus from spreading from the user to others.

Previously, Downtown Disney prohibits leggings tube-style face scarves and open-chin triangle scarves as face covers. Homemade masks such as scarves and scarves are not considered personal protective equipment, their protective capabilities are unknown, and should only be used as a last resort, according to the CDC.

Downtown Disney also closed a “sip and stroll” loophole that allowed visitors to stroll through the outdoor mall without a mask while sipping a Jamba smoothie or eating Salt & Straw ice cream. Visitors can remove the masks only while actively eating and drinking outdoors in a stationary position while maintaining social detachment.