Beginning today, Disney employees will be able to be tested for COVID-19 at no charge at the Maingate Complex in Osceola County. Tomorrow that same location will be available to the public.
Disney World notified the labor union, Actors’ Equity Association, which represents 750 performers at the theme park and more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers nationwide, that it will provide a free COVID-19 testing site for Florida residents, including Disney World employees and their immediate family members. Here are the currently listed hours:
- Thursday, 13th August: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Friday, 14th August: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Saturday, 15th August: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Sunday, 16th August: 7:00am to 4:00pm
- Monday, 17th August: 7:00am to 4:00pm
Disney and Actors’ Equity Association, had been discussing regular testing and other safety measures for two months, and have come to an agreement that allows its members to return to work at the theme park.
“We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed,” Kate Shindle, Actors’ Equity Association president, said in a news release. “With the news that Disney will make testing available for Equity performers and others in the park, I’m happy to announce that Equity’s executive committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with Disney for Equity performers to return.”
The site, located at 3010 Maingate Lane, will provide testing from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Aug. 17.
According to a Disney spokesperson, the Florida Division of Emergency Management will handle operations at the site. Registration is available at DoINeedaCOVIDTest.com, which is operated by eTrueNoth, the lab conducting the testing run by the state of Florida.
