Which Timeshare Destinations Are Lifting Mask Mandates?

Now that the CDC has issued updated guidelines for wearing masks outdoors and in public spaces, it is time to take a look at the top timeshare destinations that are a bit more relaxed when it comes to mask mandates.

According to an article on AARP.org, about half the states in the U.S. currently require wearing a mask in public, so that leaves the other half of states in some condition of suspended mask status. This could range from a complete lifting of requirements to an indoor-only requirement. So, what’s a timeshare owner to do?

Given that summer is quickly approaching and bookings are off the charts in several destinations, we will check out the states that provide more leeway when it comes to masks and let you, the timeshare owner, decide where you want to travel.

Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis has been one of the most lenient governors in the country when it comes to masks and overall COVID-related policies. There is no statewide mask order – primarily leaving it up to the local municipalities to decide their own course of action.

This has created a patchwork of local requirements, with the top timeshare areas such as Orlando, south Florida and the Florida panhandle implementing their own mask requirements. However, keep in mind that local governments are banned from issuing fines or penalties for not wearing masks according to DeSantis’ executive order in September.

How this trickles down to the individual timeshare resort or theme park is really up to the individual business. The vast majority of timeshares, theme parks and associated shopping and dining venues have mask or social distancing measures in place, but Orange County has just announced an easing of its mask policies so good news for Orlando timeshares.  Disney has not announced changes to its policies, but given that the CDC still recommends masks in “crowded gatherings”, expect mask wearing to continue for the foreseeable future.

South Carolina

No statewide order is in effect, with mask policies being left up to the local government bodies. State officials continue to recommend wearing masks, and top timeshare destinations such as Myrtle Beach and Charleston have municipal mask policies in place for government buildings. However, Myrtle Beach’s Emergency Order is set to expire on Friday and the city currently gives businesses “the option of requiring masks in indoor public spaces” - having removed the requirement for masks as of April 2.

Basically, it’s up to the individual businesses in Myrtle Beach, including timeshare resorts, as to whether they want to implement a mask requirement. Beaches are open with no restrictions in place but officials encourage social distancing. For North Myrtle Beach, they no longer have a mask mandate in place and neither does Horry County. Best for Myrtle Beach timeshare owners to check with your individual resort as to its latest policy.

Nevada

For Las Vegas timeshare fans, good news as capacities continue to be lifted for bars, restaurants, casinos and entertainment venues. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced that facilities and businesses will be allowed to operate at 100 percent capacity beginning June 1, with Clark County to operate at 80 percent starting Saturday. 

Even as the state reopens and social distancing is reduced, the Nevada mask mandate is still in effect at least through the end of May – requiring people to wear a mask in public spaces. The local media have called out against masks, with some citing a Stanford University researcher advocating against masks. 

For the time being, timeshare visitors to Las Vegas, Reno and the rest of the state will need to pack a mask and wear it when out and about at least until June.

Hawaii

Hawaii has been a challenge for timeshare owners from the beginning of the pandemic, with officials effectively closing off the state until last October and then requiring multiple layers of testing and quarantine as visitors enter the state. At times, the islands seem to be operating independently of state policies with, until recently, Kauai requiring additional testing and quarantine at approved resorts for inbound visitors.

While Kauai has relaxed this policy, Maui now requires a second COVID rapid test upon entry to the island to avoid a 10-day quarantine. All of this is in addition to the negative COVID PCR test required to enter the state or face quarantine.

Regarding masks, Hawaii has a statewide mask mandate requiring masks to be worn at all times when indoor at businesses, although not in accommodations such as timeshare units. When outdoors, officials require wearing a mask if you cannot maintain social distancing of 6ft from people not part of your group. This poses an interesting scenario in places such as Waikiki Beach timeshares, so travelers are asked to carry a mask at all times in case they are needed. 

California

California is slowly, but surely, opening up with Disneyland set to reopen on Friday after being closed for over a year. Resorts are opening, with timeshare villas at the Grand Californian set to reopen on Sunday – great news for Disney timeshare owners in the Golden State who are looking for a bit of normalcy.

There is a statewide mask mandate which has been in effect since last June requiring masks at indoor facilities and to be worn outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Those participating in outdoor activities like swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running are exempt. While beachgoers have been seen consistently without masks, the state is recommending that masks be worn at all times.

No specific exemption is mentioned for masks in hotel or timeshare accommodations, but the state order says masks are required “in any room or enclosed area where other people (except for members of the person’s own household or residence) are present when unable to physically distance”. This is as close as it gets to saying families are not required to mask up in a unit.

Colorado

Technically, Colorado still has a statewide mask mandate but earlier this month Governor Jared Polis moved the goalposts by letting counties avoid the mandate if they have less than 35 weekly COVID cases per 100,000 people. This basically lets half the state off the hook when it comes to the mandate.

Counties are now responsible for managing the mandate, based on COVID cases. Some facilities such as schools, health care and government buildings still fall under the mandate, but that won’t impact Colorado timeshare owners.

For now, timeshare hotspots such as Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen and Steamboat Springs are still under the mandate and require masks to be worn in public places. Presumably, timeshare resorts will also require face masks while on their premises, so check with your specific resort as to their latest policy.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts seems to be emerging from its COVID fog as Governor Charlie Baker has just removed the state’s outdoor mask mandate as timeshare resorts and other visitor accommodations prepare for the upcoming summer season. Social distancing is still required, and capacity caps are being raised for events and gatherings.

The mandate is still in place for indoor facilities, but the Governor has set August 1 as a deadline when he anticipates that all businesses will be able to operate without capacity limits.

What all of this means for owners of Cape Cod timeshares and other timeshare owners is still fluid, but owners should continue to prepare for wearing masks indoors until the state announces otherwise.