Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has today commented on the mask mandate during one of his frequent COVID-19 briefings.
He was asked when the mask mandate for Orange County will end, and he replied that it would likely be when about 50% of the population is vaccinated. He went on to say that he thinks that may be occur in June 2021.
The vast majority of Walt Disney World property is within Orange County, and during the park's reopening, an endorsement of Disney's plans by Orange County was at the forefront of the state agreeing for the parks to reopen.
Should Demings lift the mandate, and with no mask mandate from the state, it would seem to clear the way for Walt Disney World to follow. However, it would seem that the decision would ultimately rest with Disney, and in Bob Chapeks's latest comments, he suggested that he expects masks to be in place for the remainder of the year.
Demings introduced the mask mandate back in June 2020, with the guidance stating that every person working, living, visiting or doing business in Orange County is required to wear a face covering. Business are encouraged to deny entry to anyone not complying.
Exceptions to the rule include persons under the age of two, those exercising while maintaining social distancing, persons where a mask would cause impairment due to an existing health condition, those working in a profession that has no face-to-face interactions, and employees of first response, healthcare, construction and childcare.
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