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Walt Disney World Resort guests will not be happy about this update, but you should know what you are getting into if you plan to visit the parks between now and the end of the Autumn season.
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COVID Cases Surging To Alarming Levels in Florida; Could This Affect Your Disney World Trip?
COVID-19 cases are on the rise this summer in Florida. The state Department of Health reported 21,531 cases in the first week of July, an 11% increase from its lowest weekly total in April of 2,390 cases. County totals show high weekly case counts in July, slightly decreasing from Week 1 to Week 2. Miami-Dade reported 4,119 cases in the first week and 3,568 cases in the second week. Broward reported 2,225 cases the first week and 1,718 the following week.
Palm Beach, Hillsborough, and Orange counties exceeded 1,000 cases in both weeks. These weekly totals surpass the winter spike from January and align with a rising trend of COVID-19 cases nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viral activity in wastewater has been high, though hospitalizations, severity, and deaths remain low.
The majority of reported cases are highly transmissible subvariants of the omicron strain. These strains have mutated to evade most people’s immune systems, resulting in mild infections, said Ira Longini, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Florida. “It’s evolved to a point where it causes more like a cold…although it’s still highly transmissible,” Longini said, noting that the current strain’s symptoms include mild fever, body aches, stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.
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Why This Is Important Information for WDW Guests (And How To Stay Safe When Traveling)
Despite the generally mild nature of these infections, there are still risks. Florida has reported 3,000 COVID-19 deaths through June this year, compared to 8,000 deaths in all of last year. Orange County has reported about 121 deaths in 2024, down from 329 in the previous year.
Longini recommends that people who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine for three to five days or wear a mask to protect immunocompromised individuals. “It could infect an immunocompromised person and regain some of its function as far as severity,” Longini said. The CDC advises a five-day quarantine and taking precautions for 10 days, including wearing a mask in public.
While vaccine interest has waned, Longini emphasized that they offer significant protection against severe illness. The rise in COVID-19 cases in Florida is particularly pertinent for visitors to Walt Disney World, one of the state’s most popular destinations. With the state Department of Health reporting a significant increase in cases, guests should be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.
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This includes following CDC guidelines, such as wearing masks in crowded areas, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing where possible. Walt Disney World has implemented various health and safety measures to protect guests and staff. These measures include enhanced cleaning protocols, availability of hand sanitizing stations, and options for cashless transactions.
Disney guests should exercise caution and prioritize safety when traveling, particularly amid rising COVID-19 cases. Adhering to health guidelines such as wearing masks in crowded areas, practicing frequent hand washing, and maintaining social distancing can help mitigate risks. Visitors should also stay informed about any health advisories or policy updates from Disney and local health authorities.
Visitors are encouraged to stay updated on any changes to park policies and to adhere to any health and safety recommendations provided by the resort. Travelers are also advised to monitor their health and consider testing for COVID-19 before and after their trip. By taking these precautions, guests can enjoy their visit to Walt Disney World while minimizing the risk of infection, ensuring a safer experience for themselves and others.
