BAY LAKE, Fla. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidelines that eased mask-wearing guidance for Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Channel 9 reached out to our local theme parks to see if they are making any changes.
Disney’s CEO, Bob Chapek, said the announcement is “big news” for the parks.
READ: Disney to increase park capacity as company emerges from COVID-19 pandemic
Chapek said face coverings are still required for now, but he hinted that may change, especially this summer.
The Most Magical Place on Earth still has to abide by COVID-19 restrictions but a lot of those rules are starting to fade away.
The parks stopped checking cast members’ temperatures Saturday, and will stop the practice for guests on Sunday.
Social distancing of 6 feet will be cut down to 3 feet in some locations.
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Masks are still required but may not be for long, based on Chapek’s comments during the company’s second quarter earnings call.
“Today’s guidance from the CDC in terms of those that were vaccinated do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore both outdoors and indoors is very big news for us, particularly if anyone’s been in Florida in the middle of summer with a mask on,” he said. “That can be very daunting.”
Disney, like many parks, is itching to get back to normal.
Fewer restrictions likely mean more people and more money.
READ: Disney Q2 revenue drops on continued weakness in parks
The company did better financially than expected, but it was still down $1.2 billion compared to this quarter in 2020.
The company’s reservation availability shows that weekends are booked.
Disney said it has already started allowing more people into its parks.
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Cox Media Group
