To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
Mask rules and recommendations have started to change in Disney World and around the country, and now we’ve gotten another mask update you need to know about.
Not too long ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their mask recommendations with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Disney World and Disneyland have since updated their mask requirements, and we’ve seen changes made on Disney Cruise Line as well. Now, another mask change has been made when it comes to general travel in the United States.
The Transportation Security Administration has had a mask mandate in place which requires travelers using various forms of public transportation to wear a mask. This mask mandate has been applicable on airplanes, trains, buses, airports, and train stations.
The mask mandate has been extended several times over the past few months. Most recently it was extended through March 18th, 2022. And now there has been an update on this requirement.
According to a press release from the CDC, “At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for one month, through April 18th.”
As USA Today notes, this means travelers in the U.S. who will be using airplanes, trains, or buses, or will be in airports or train stations will need to continue to wear masks during this time.
In terms of rules and regulations moving forward, the CDC has issued the following statement, “During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor. This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. We will communicate any updates publicly if and/or when they change.”
USA Today shares that while the mandate was overall “welcomed by the industry and unions,” it hasn’t put an end to “inflight resistance by some passengers, with frequent high-profile incidents causing flights to be delayed and diverted and passengers to be escorted off planes.”
If you’ll be traveling soon, there are a number of COVID-19 related updates you’ll likely want to know about. First, as we mentioned before, the CDC has updated their mask recommendations. The CDC’s updated community levels show what areas individuals should wear a mask in, and where masks are more optional.
Disney World has also updated its mask requirements. Masks are now optional for fully vaccinated guests in most places, including indoor locations. Masks continue to be required for all guests, however, while on enclosed transportation.
We’ve seen a number of other COVID-19 or mask-related updates in the past few weeks. Click the links below to learn more:
- Disney’s Hawaiian resort is changing its COVID-19 policies
- Disney World counties saw a change in COVID-19 risk category
- A COVID-19 test-to-treat initiative has been announced by the U.S. President
- The mask mandate is being suspended for many Disney Cruise Line sailings
- Face mask rules have changed in Disneyland Paris
Mask rules are subject to change again in the future. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.
jnoel says
Bummer.
Randi Briggs says
Yeah, I’m pretty fed up with this too.