Temperature Checks End At Walt Disney World And Universal Studios
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, things are gradually changing with the advent of the vaccination program. The latest news is that Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are to end temperature checks for cast members and guests. While this change is coming now, other health and safety measures, such as face coverings and social distancing requirements, will continue.
Temperature checks to be dropped
Walt Disney World Resorts made the announcement last week that the parks and their facilities will start to phase out temperature checks before the end of this month. The theme parks and related resorts have already ended temperature screenings for cast members from May 8. According to Disney’s website, temperature checks for guests will end on May 16. This change comes at a time when Florida is starting to make adjustments to the state’s COVID-19 regulations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Monday last week to suspend the state’s remaining coronavirus public health restrictions. However, this doesn’t mean a general stop to the various health and safety precautions in the state. Private businesses are still able to request face coverings and social distancing from guests and customers, along with other safety measures, at their discretion.
Walt Disney World Resort statement
According to Disney’s statement, the COVID-19 precautions at Walt Disney World Resorts have been in force since they reopened in July 2020. The statement reads, “Since reopening, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, government agencies, and our own team of health and safety experts as we assess and update health and safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
“As this guidance continues to evolve, and with the support of local health and government officials, we are making some additional adjustments. Following the advice of the CDC and our local health officials, we will phase out onsite temperature screenings at Walt Disney World Resort for Cast Members beginning May 8 and Guests on May 16. We will continue to follow the guidance of health and safety leaders going forward and most importantly encourage people to get vaccinated.”
The company’s website does state that guest requirements relating to the wearing of masks and physical distancing remain in force. It is also still necessary for guests to make reservations prior to visiting the park of their choice, in an effort to limit overall capacity.
Universal Orlando Resort announces changes
While Florida lawmakers have made the move to remove the remaining COVID-19 precautions and emergency orders throughout the state, Disney is not alone in choosing to roll back some safety measures. Universal Orlando Resort also announced the suspension of temperature checks for guests, effective immediately.
In its statement, the theme park said, “Still, most of our original safety protocols remain unchanged — from wearing face coverings across our Resort to our ongoing dedication to cleanliness and sanitization.”
Readers can find more information about Universal Orlando’s health and safety protocols on their official website.
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