A new study released by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) in partnership with National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Florida High Tech Corridor, says that theme parks can operate at a 3ft physical distancing protocol instead of the widely accepted 6ft physical distancing (h/t: Scott Gustin).
While the conclusions of the experiment are summed up that it is safer to operate at a 3ft physical distancing protocol while requiring a face covering than operating a 6ft physical distancing protocol without the face covering, the results of the experiment would suggest that a 3ft physical distancing requirement with a mandatory face covering would be considered safe.
The study looked at droplet/aerosol volume, quantity, size, and propagation over various distances while participants coughed and talked. The results said that “a cloth face covering reduced the maximum detectable distance of expelled aerosols/droplet to 2.22ft”. A three-layer face covering shortened that distance to just 0.5ft. A Z-test verified with statistical significance that physical distancing can be reduced to 1.97ft with a cloth face covering, and to 0.51ft with a 3-layer covering. A move to 3ft physical distancing would cover both of those distances.
The news comes on the eve of what is expected to be an announcement by the Biden administration that will relax some face covering requirements while outdoors.
In our earlier article that explored what might be next for Walt Disney World in terms of relaxing COVID-19 protocols, we said that we believed that Disney would go to a 3ft physical distancing protocol while continuing to ensure that face coverings are mandatory.
If enacted, a 3ft physical distancing protocol would take a great deal of strain off of the Disney Park Pass reservation system as Disney can increase theme park capacity. Heading into the busy summer months, we expect Disney to make a move on physical distancing/capacity ahead of the 50th Anniversary in October.
As of publish time, 6ft physical distancing and mandatory face coverings remain in effect at Walt Disney World theme parks and resorts.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!