Don’t expect to not need a mask in the Orlando area any time soon. According to the Orlando Sentinel Orange County officials say that we could see mask and other restrictions into next year.

Dr. Raul Pino from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County said:

“For the rest of the year? Yes. Until maybe the spring, or until we have a vaccine.”

Some of you may be familiar with Dr. Pino as he was often reporting on the Orange County Economic Relief Task Force, and he was one of the individuals that toured park facilities to inspect their guidelines and compliance before they reopened.

Back on June 20, the mask order went into effect from Mayor Jerry Demings, requiring the use of facial coverings in all public places. Dr. Pino believes that the mask guidelines helped to stop the spike in incidents after Memorial day.  But there were spikes after the holiday and they believe they were from the bars near the University of Florida. This is what led to the regulations about not consuming alcohol at bars. However, it looks like they are trying to reopen those locations soon.

According to the Orlando Sentinel:

“Halsey Beshears, the secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, is due to meet with bar and brewery owners beginning this weekend to start drawing up a plan to reopen them.”

Of course this is concerning as it could lead to more spikes. But they are likely going to happen with kids returning to school in the fall. I know a lot of teachers near here aren’t comfortable with the decisions to reopen schools given the situation. I’m sure it’s even more the case in Florida where they are seeing a much larger number of cases.

So given all the current guidelines it is very likely we won’t see the mask rule end until sometime in 2021. Disney is currently requiring Park Pass reservations though September 26, 2021 as well.  This really is going to be the “new normal” for quite awhile.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: Orlando Sentinel