Curtis Tate, USA TODAY
Published 2:39 p.m. ET July 20, 2020
CLOSE
Disney officials have closed off a loophole that allowed guests to walk around its famous theme park without wearing face masks.
Buzz60
Disney World visitors will no longer be able to eat or drink while walking, according to the theme park’s updated face mask policy.
Since the park reopened on July 11, visitors have been required to wear a face mask at all times, except while eating or swimming. According to the policy, which has been updated since the park reopened, visitors must be stationary while eating or drinking and must maintain appropriate social distancing.
Coronavirus cases have surged in Florida since Disney World announced its reopening plans in late May. The state has more than 360,000 cases as of Monday, according to the Florida Department of Health. More than 5,000 people have died of COVID-19 statewide.
In addition to face masks, Disney World requires visitors to undergo a temperature check on arrival and observe social distancing guidance. Attractions that involve person-to-person contact or interactive activities remain closed. More frequent cleanings are taking place throughout the park, and visitors and employees are encouraged to wash their hands.
USA TODAY has reached out to Disney for more information about the face-mask policy change.
Florida officials have defended Disney’s decision to reopen the park, which had been closed since March. Critics have mocked it.
Disneyland in California was scheduled to reopen last week, but that was postponed amid rising coronavirus cases in the state.
Autoplay
Show Thumbnails
Show Captions
Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/theme-parks/2020/07/20/disney-world-face-mask-requirement-tightened-no-eating-while-walking/5472988002/