While mask rules remain inconsistent from city to city and from state to state, business that serve the traveling public are increasingly telling their customers to mask up or go home.
In Florida, where infection rates have been soaring and theme parks have come under criticism for opening despite fairly stringent precautions, Universal Orlando has followed Disney’s move with a requirement for masks at all times except when eating, and banning eating while walking. Guests are now told that they must find a place to sit, socially-distanced from others, before unmasking to eat and drink.
Universal has also tightened up what kinds of face coverings it would accept, in obvious response to some who have resisted using appropriate masks. The rule bans costume masks, veils, masks with mesh or holes, coverings that are not secured. The rule even bans a common type of medical mask with exhalation vents because it can be an avenue for infection.
The Marriott and Hyatt hotel chains have become the first, certainly not the last to require guests wearing masks. Marriott’s rule has been in place since last Monday, with Hyatt and IHG following this Monday.
One hotel brand has apparently not followed the trend: In Washington, DC, where local health rules mandate masks in hotel public spaces, the city is investigating why the Trump International Hotel has allowed many maskless guests, including apparently the President, and was the venue for a party whose invitation specified “No Masks Allowed.”
