Theme Parks might go mask-free next year if rapid testing is in place

A former Disney Imagineer, Eddie Soto, believes the mask policy can be dropped if a successful form of rapid-testing is found.

Eddie Soto is a veteran Disney Imagineer who spent 13 years working for the Walt Disney Company. A partial list of his achievements includes the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction at Disneyland and Pooh’s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland.

Sotto believes the current practices being used are insufficient for aiding financial recovery. He believes theme parks won’t see a return to former business activity until the face mask requirements  are lifted.

Of course, he understands the current need for safety precautions. But he believes rapid testing would enable guests to enter the park without needing a face covering if they are clear of the virus. The idea is only guests who pass the test would be granted access.

The technology isn’t quite there yet, but it is advancing rapidly, and should be ready for prime time soon. Sotto says his goal is to be able to apply the strategies next season, possibly by spring.

Current Disney Theme Park Policy

The face mask is mandatory for helping to stop the spread of the disease. Wearing the mask is way to help protect the health and safety of the general public.

The policy now says that guests may remove their face masks while eating or drinking but that they should not be moving or walking around with the mask off. You can see the full policy below:

“Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and Cast Members. Please bring your own face coverings and wear them at all times, except when dining or swimming. You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing.”

All face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:

• Be made with at least two layers of breathable material
• Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free

At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, and open-chin triangle bandanas are not acceptable face coverings.

Source

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