Downtown Disney Is Tightening Up Restrictions Banning Masks With Valves
It’s been a few weeks since Downtown Disney has first reopened its gates to Disneyland guests. According to a recent piece in the Orange County Register, Disney is starting to tighten up its safety procedures. This includes two rounds of updates to their mask wearing mandate.
A trio of new bans (similar to those we reported at Walt Disney World) have been implemented to close loopholes in Disney’s policy. Going forward, ALL guests visiting Downtown Disney must wear face masks and the masks cannot contain,
- Valves
- Mesh material
- Holes of any kind
It should be noted that these changes are in addition to Disney’s recent clarification that neck gaiters and bandanas DO NOT constitute face masks. The company has also put a ban on removing masks to “sip and stroll.” Guests are still permitted to remove masks while dining but they must remain stationary while you dine.
Disney’s new Guest Experience Team is now on hand to enforce the mask policy throughout the Disneyland’s shopping and dining district. Mandatory masks must be hands-free, snug fitting and secured with ties or ear loops and cover the nose and mouth area. Costume masks are prohibited. The logic behind banning masks including N95 respirators is that exhalation valves may actually allow unfiltered air to escape according to a recent CDC report. Similarly, as the Orange County Register reported so called “breathable” masks made with mesh or other sheer material also lack prevention.
It should be noted that as of going to print, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure remain closed to guests along with Disneyland’s three onsite hotels. This is due to Gavin Newsom’s reluctance to approve the theme park reopening plans due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in California.
Visitors to Downtown Disney will encounter a myriad of other health and safety measures put into place to ensure guest safety including temperature checks, reduced crowd capacity, enhanced sanitization, social distancing and outdoor dining.
Disney-themed masks featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters are available in Downtown Disney at World of Disney, Marceline’s Confectionery, Disney Dress Shop and Disney Pin Trader. However you will need to wear a mask to get into Downtown Disney so be sure to bring one with you.
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Source: Orange County Register