Texas theme parks still requiring masks despite mandate ending
On March 2, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order that will end the statewide face mask mandate and operating capacity restrictions – but how will this affect the state’s theme parks?
Effective Wednesday, March 10, businesses statewide will no longer be required to limit capacity or require face masks. However, Governor Abbott also stated that businesses can continue to limit capacity or implement safety protocols like mask requirements at their own descretion.
As a result of this, the state’s theme parks are able to make their own decisions as to whether they will continue with their current health and safety protocols in place, or “go back to normal,” so to speak.
Both Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Fiesta Texas have publicly addressed the situation, stating that they will continue to follow CDC face mask guidelines, and will still require guests ages 2 and older and all team members to wear masks when visiting the parks. Previously-implemented heightened sanitization protocols, social distancing, and the guest reservation system will also remain in place.
SeaWorld San Antonio hasn’t posted any updates related to the governor’s executive order, but their health and safety guidelines remain the same as listed on their website (required face coverings, online reservations, etc.).
Schlitterbahn, the water park with two locations in Texas, has yet to open, but stated on social media that the parks’ full schedule and any health and safety protocol updates will be announced at a later time.
Schlitterbahn’s scheduled opening day is May 22. The full schedule, including any updates to safety protocols or park operations will be announced at a later date.
— Schlitterbahn (@Schlitterbahn) March 1, 2021
While Texas might be the first to move toward ending face mask and occupancy requirements in an effort to get back to some kind of “normal,” it is optimistic to see that the theme parks are still taking the safety of their guests and employees seriously.
