As Florida Coronavirus Cases Increase, Orange County Task Force Reconvenes

With COVID-19 cases on the rise once again in Central Florida, Orange County is reconvening its economic task force on June 24. This as Walt Disney World cast members petition for Disney delay its reopening.

The group hasn’t met since June 3, but was previously meeting multiple times per week.

Orange County saw its largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases so far with more than 437 on June 20, according to the Florida Department of Health.

According to The Orlando Business Journal, the group may push Mayor Jerry Demings for the delay of Phase 3 reopening, as a mandatory mask rule was put into effect beginning on June 20.

How this could affect Disney’s planned July reopening is anyone’s guess. But some Walt Disney World cast members are pushing for Disney to delay its reopening citing health concerns, and have even created a petition.

“This virus is not gone, unfortunately, it’s only become worse in this state,” cast members wrote. “While theme parks are a great way to relax and enjoy free time, it is a non-essential business; it is not fair to the people who work there to risk their lives, especially if they are at risk or have family members who are at risk. People are more important than making a profit. Mayors, theme park executives, government officials — please hear what we are saying.”

So far, the petition has amassed around 4,500 signatures.

A similar petition for Disneyland to delay reopening has already topped over 45,000 signatures.

It’s unlikely that Disney will hold off on reopening any longer unless the Florida government intervenes, as many cast members have been furloughed since April.

The company is struggling financially due to the coronavirus shutdown, and getting some revenue on the books is likely preferable to no revenue at all.

[Source: Orlando Business Journal]