In a late Friday afternoon media briefing, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced that he is lifting the requirement for individuals to wear masks when outdoors.
The decision was made after Orange County reached the 50% vaccination level among Orange County residents that the mayor had set out in late April.
This is a significant development for Walt Disney World as it allows Disney to follow that guidance for its theme parks and eliminate some mask use for the summer. At the same time, it makes it slightly easier for Disney to fall short of the CDC's new guidance to allow those who are vaccinated to eliminate masks both indoors and outdoors. Disney of course has no way to identify those who are vaccinated and those who are not, making following the CDC guidance difficult if not impossible. If Disney chooses to follow the Orange County guidance, masks are still required when indoors.
Bob Chapek indicated yesterday that masks use will be reduced during the summer, but fell short of specifying exactly where mask use will be eliminated.
As of now, Disney has made no changes to its mask policy at Walt Disney World, and facial coverings are still required both indoors and outdoors.
Universal Orlando has announced that it will drop the mask requirement for guests when outdoors effective May 15 2021. Universal will still require masks when indoors, including on attractions.
The next Orange County milestone is when 70% of the population 16+ has received their first dose of the vaccine and/or Orange County's 14-day rolling positivity rate is 5% or below. The current 14 day positivity rate is 5.7%. Mayor Demings expects that this next milestone goal is possible by July 4 2021.
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