Hersheypark quickly drops new mask policy after backlash online

NewsWorldAmericasHersheypark quickly drops new mask policy after backlash onlineX users described the redacted rule as ‘ableist’ and ‘despicable’Erin Keller In Ohio Wednesday 22 April 2026 22:39 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2963055","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hersheypark-mask-ban-reversal-reentry-b2963055.html","title":"Hersheypark quickly drops new mask policy after backlash online"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-12353","index":0}A sign at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania called for a mask ban for visitors under 21 years old. When the sign was shared online, many were outraged at the policy. (Getty/iStock)The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsletterKey":"receiveEveningHeadlinesUSNews...