To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
Disney World has gone through several changes since March 2020. From increased health and safety measures to attraction closures, Disney has worked to adapt and change in the midst of a global pandemic. As 2022 approaches, the pandemic continues to impact the world, including the state of Florida where Disney World is located.
EPCOT
Now, as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the country, the state of Florida is setting records as cases surge.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida had 31,758 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, breaking a record for the most cases in a single day since the start of the pandemic in the U.S. in March 2020.
Mask signage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
During the holiday week, the Florida Department of Health reported that the statewide new-case positivity rate rose to 13.8%. The week prior to Christmas had a 5.3% new-case positivity rate, and the rate was even lower at 2.6% the week before.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Sign
The Orlando Sentinel attributed this surge in cases to people’s rush to get tested ahead of the holidays. Additionally, they reported that the Omicron variant is the dominant strain among newly reported cases.
Disney World
This record number of COVID-19 cases is the highest since August 2021. The previous record was 27,669 coronavirus cases in one day, and that number was surpassed twice in one week. Recently, Disney World’s Orange County was also listed as a COVID-19 “hotspot,” a designation that is used to indicate that a county has reached a threshold of disease activity that is considered as being of high burden.
Social distancing signage
The holiday season brought massive crowds to Disney World, and the return of international travel introduced more guests to the parks as well.
Magic Kingdom crowds Christmas week
As cases rise, we’ll continue to monitor any changes on Disney’s part. If there are any updates, you can learn all about them and find out how they might affect your trip right here on DFB.
Click here to learn more about the Omicron variant and Disney World
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The post NEWS: Florida Breaks State’s Daily Record of New COVID-19 Cases first appeared on the disney food blog.