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Masks off! Visitors to Disney and SeaWorld amusement parks in the U.S. will like the fresh air of relaxed rules under many circumstances.

Disney World and other U.S. amusement parks updated their mask policy following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week.

Masks have been made optional in outdoor areas and pool decks at Walt Disney Inc’s Disney World in Orlando, Florida, effective May 15, but are still needed for entering rides and at indoor locations, according to the guidelines posted on its website.

Universal Orlando has also relaxed its mask policy for guests at outdoor locations. “Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas,” the company said in a statement on Friday.

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc said on Saturday masks will no longer be required for guests at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, Aquatica San Antonio, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for customers who are fully vaccinated.

“All park employees will be required to continue to wear face coverings,” a SeaWorld spokeswoman said on Saturday.

The CDC on Thursday advised that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

(Reporting by Ann Maria Shibu in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Nivedita Balu; Editing by Diane Craft and Daniel Wallis)

Copyright (2021) Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions

This article was from Reuters and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].

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Tags: attractions, coronavirus recovery, disney, disney parks, masks, seaworld, theme parks, tourist attractions

Photo credit: Guests can see Minnie Mouse and other characters during breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, at Disney’s Riviera Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Matt Stroshane / Walt Disney World

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