Data reported by the State of Florida to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the state recorded 26,203 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, August 24th.
The 26,000+ cases set a new high mark for COVID-19 cases reported in a single day. The previous high mark was set on August 12th with 25,957 cases and before that on August 10 with 24,751 cases. Two other dates in early August were also record-setting dates at the time.
The new daily record comes at a time when a surge in COVID-19 cases appeared to be leveling out. The 7-day rolling average had been steady or declining since August 16th, but could now push past the 7-day average peak of 21,762 with another high day tomorrow. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 also remain high in the state.
At Walt Disney World, theme park operations don’t appear to be phased by the numbers. Masks are required indoors, but there are no appreciable physical distancing measures, and other health and safety measures such as temperature checks or plexiglass dividers were rolled back months ago.
The Walt Disney Company has announced that all salary and non-union Cast Members will be required to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Furthermore, Disney World’s largest unions have announced that they have reached an agreement that will require their members to get vaccinated. At this point, the vast, vast majority of Cast Members are now covered by a vaccine mandate.
Disney World has not announced any requirements as it relates to mandating that guests are vaccinated. Despite cruise lines and multiple school districts turning their nose to Governor DeSantis’ rules about not mandating vaccines or face masks, Disney World has not indicated that they will attempt to pursue that avenue.
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!