With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutting down most events and theme parks throughout the country indefinitely, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have announced that they will temporarily extend closures “until further notice” out of an abundance of caution for their Cast Members and guests. However, while essential Cast Members, like security guards, animal caretakers, and more remain on property throughout the closure, they are now allowed to wear face masks while carrying out their duties.

Starting April 7, Cast Members are being told they can wear face masks to work. These new exceptions are in line with recent recommendations by the CDC to use face masks or other “cloth face coverings” to slow the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends wearing face masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. Instructions on how to make your own masks can be found on the CDC website via this link. Essential Cast Members will be provided masks (non-surgical grade) upon request or are otherwise allowed to bring their own.

It is not known whether this will be extended to non-essential Cast Members upon the reopening of the resort, but even a reopening date is uncertain at this point. Currently, all U.S. based, non-essential Cast Members and employees will go on furlough starting April 19. All Disney Internship & Programs will be temporarily suspended effective April 18.