The OC Register reports that Disneyland has tightened requirements on COVID-19 face masks in Downtown Disney with an eye toward strengthening health and safety protocols as three additional locations reopened at the outdoor shopping mall next to Disney’s Anaheim theme parks.
Downtown Disney reopened to long lines and bustling crowds on July 9th. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure along with Disney’s Anaheim hotels still remain closed until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Downtown Disney reopened with additional health and safety measures including mandatory face masks, temperature checks, reduced capacity, social distancing and enhanced sanitization. Mandatory face masks must be hands-free, snug fitting, secured with ties or ear loops and cover the nose and mouth. Costume masks are prohibited.
Neck gaiter tube-style face scarves and open-chin triangle bandanas will no longer be allowed as face coverings at Downtown Disney. Guests may remove their masks only while actively eating and drinking outdoors in a stationary position while maintaining social distancing. These COVID-19 health and safety changes align with policies previously implemented at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Homemade masks such as bandanas and scarves are not considered personal protective equipment, their protective capabilities are unknown and they should only be used as a last resort, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control.
The “sip and stroll” loophole had allowed visitors to wander around Downtown Disney maskless while they sipped a smoothie from Jamba or ate ice cream from Salt & Straw. Any guest that violates this new policy will be encouraged by Disney’s new Guest Experience Team to sit down or remain stationary while they eat and drink.
The new sip and stroll ban added to the Downtown Disney website clarifies a policy Disney’s rule monitoring team had been enforcing since the outdoor shopping mall reopened.
Disney face masks featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters are available in Downtown Disney at the World of Disney, Marceline’s Confectionery, Disney Dress Shop and the Disney’s Pin Trader stand.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/23/disneyland-tightens-covid-19-mask-requirements-at-downtown-disney/
