Orange County Under New State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Rise

Well Disney fans, this might be the last piece of news you want to hear today. It seems like each and every day Walt Disney World is making huge strides in returning to some sense of normalcy as they have navigated through phased reopenings after COVID-19 closed their doors in March 2020. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated guests at Walt Disney World with the exception of masks on transportation. Fireworks are back in full force. Disney is increasing capacity regularly; attractions that had limitations are returning; and Disney is preparing for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” in honor of their 50th Anniversary. More restaurants, more resorts, more attractions, and more Cast Members are returning each and every day! But today makes us a little nervous, as the Orange County Mayor has declared a new state of emergency.

As reported by OrlandoSentinel on July 28: “Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has declared a new state of emergency as new infections of Covid-19 skyrocket to a single-day high, and wastewater surveillance hints at further increases coming soon. He also said county employees have until Aug. 31 to get their first shot of vaccine protection. He is requiring employees and visitors to wear masks in county facilities and pleaded with private businesses to require employees to wear masks indoors. Demings and other local officials have been seemingly boxed in by actions taken by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, both limiting the ability of cities and counties to implement emergency orders. “Because of that, I’m taking the action that I believe is legally defensible today,” he said.”

A vast portion of Walt Disney World resides in Orange County. On July 27, Orange County reported 1,371 new infections which is the most cases in a single day. Not only are infections on the rise, but hospitalizations are creeping closer to record highs of last July.

Do you think Walt Disney World will bring back masks mandates and/or physically distancing as COVID-19 infections are increasing? We’ll be sure to keep you posted as we learn more about what steps Orange Country and Walt Disney World may or may not implement next. UPDATE: Disney World will now require masks for ALL guests while indoors beginning July 30. Read more here.