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.

The global health crisis has been ongoing for two years and has had its fair share of effects on Disney World.

We’ve seen closures, significant health measures, changes in demand and capacity, and more as the world grapples with COVID-19 and its variants. Now, a new coronavirus variant has been defined, the Omicron variant. Let’s take a look at its potential effects on your Disney World trip.

What is the Omicron coronavirus variant?

First of all, let’s take a look at the basics: What is the Omicron variant? Omicron is a mutation of the coronavirus that is the newest variant to be designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At this time, research into the Omicron variant is still in the early stages. WHO notes that it is not clear whether the Omicron variant is more transmissible than other variants (like the Delta variant), whether it causes more severe disease, or whether it causes different symptoms from those caused by other variants.

What is confirmed by WHO is that all variants of COVID-19, including the currently dominant Delta variant, “can cause severe disease or death, in particular for more vulnerable people, and thus prevention is always key.”

Further, there is some early evidence that may suggest an increased risk of reinfection from Omicron (that is, those who have had COVID-19 may be more at risk of infection from Omicron than other variants). At this time, it is also known that PCR tests continue to detect COVID-19 infections — including those from the Omicron variant.

Per CNN, at the time of writing, Omicron cases have been confirmed in around two dozen countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Botswana, Australia, Brazil, the United States, and more.

The first confirmed case of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the U.S. was identified in California on December 1st, according to CNN. The fully-vaccinated individual had recently traveled from South Africa. Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, Dr. Anthony Fauci, noted that the individual had not, to his knowledge, received the booster shot.

South Africa has noted some preliminary data that suggests an increase in rates of hospitalization, but this may be due to an increase in overall numbers being infected. At this time, studies are underway to determine if the Omicron variant is the reason for the increase in positive tests or if it is due to other factors, per WHO.

What are the concerns about the Omicron variant?

So, there are still a lot of questions about the Omicron variant but what concerns do health and science professionals have? CBS notes that “Health authorities say Omicron carries a unique set of mutations that might give the virus an advantage in driving new surges of infections compared with the fast-spreading Delta variant, which currently makes up virtually all U.S. cases.”

In addition to potentially increasing infection rates, the Omicron variant has been defined as the “most divergent variant that has been detected in significant numbers during the pandemic so far.” The European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) cited serious concerns that the variant “may be associated with significant reduction in vaccine effectiveness and increased risk for reinfections.”

To contend with these concerns, scientists around the world are currently working to research the Omicron variant. WHO is currently coordinating a number of studies including “assessments of transmissibility, severity of infection (including symptoms), performance of vaccines and diagnostic tests, and effectiveness of treatments.”

The individual vaccine companies — Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer and BioNTech — are in the process of investigating the impact Omicron may have on vaccine effectiveness. According to CBS, “The companies say they are already preparing to potentially change their vaccines to target Omicron.” 

What travel restrictions have been put in place in response to the Omicron variant?

According to Al Jazeera, the United States has currently closed its borders to non-citizens from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Some countries have enacted total bans on foreigners entering the country — China, Israel, Japan, and Morocco — and partial bans have been enacted around the world.

The current United States travel restrictions could have effects on Disney World travelers. Besides the partial travel ban, the U.S. currently requires all non-immigrant, non-citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status BEFORE boarding a plane to the U.S. The country has also extended the mask mandate on airplanes, per the New York Times.

If you are fully vaccinated, you must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before travel. If you are not fully vaccinated and meet the criteria for an exception, you’ll need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel. According to ABC News, the test window will soon be shortened from three days to one for vaccinated travelers. The U.S. also plans to make at-home rapid tests free.

Proof of vaccination is not required for U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents before boarding a flight to the U.S., but they must meet certain COVID-19 testing requirements, depending on their vaccination status. After arrival in the United States, travelers are recommended to take a COVID-19 test three to five days after travel and quarantine for seven days if unvaccinated.

Some individuals are being completely advised not to travel by WHO. WHO notes, “Persons who are unwell or at risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease and dying, including people 60 years of age or older or those with comorbidities (e.g. heart disease, cancer, and diabetes), should be advised to postpone travel.” 

What recommendations have been made in response to the Omicron variant?

The recommendations in response to the Omicron variant are similar to the health recommendations we’ve seen over the last two years. WHO says, “The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echoes these sentiments recommending “prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others.” The CDC also recommends the vaccine for those over five years old and the booster for those who are eligible.

As a note, the CDC’s current masking recommendation notes that everyone should wear masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission. According to CDC data, Orange and Osceola counties in Florida (where Disney World is located) are both currently classed as having low levels of transmission.

What changes could Disney World make?

We are still in the early stages of learning about the Omicron variant but what changes can we predict we might see in response in Disney World? Keep in mind, there were not many changes in response to the Delta variant and there have been fewer policy changes in general since the vaccine became widely available.

The major changes we’ve seen in recent months include the reinstatement of the indoor mask policy which came along with the CDC changing recommendations with rising transmission last summer. Disney World also recently paused most Annual Pass sales to help manage capacity, though this was done before the Omicron variant was widely defined.

We’ve seen that Disney World’s mask policy typically matches recommendations from the CDC. At this time, the CDC has not adjusted guidelines but Disney World may adjust policies if the CDC makes major changes.

Still, mask policy changes and updates have been much more prevalent than closures. Re-closures for rides, restaurants, shows, and hotels may be unlikely as Disney has continued to announce reopenings despite the Delta and Omicron variants thus far.

If mask or capacity policies do see changes, you’ll be able to learn all about them and how they might affect your trip here on DFB. So, keep an eye on DFB for any policy updates and major health recommendations from science and health professionals.

Click here to learn more about the current travel restrictions.

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The post The Omicron COVID-19 Variant and Disney World: What You Need To Know first appeared on the disney food blog.