ECCC 2020: 'Emerald City' or the 'Green Desert’?
Lately, the coronavirus has severely hit the wonderful state of Washington leading to the death of 9 people and is rapidly gaining momentum as the second largest state with the most infections from this rapidly developing virus. As Region 99 has been carefully monitoring the situation, ReedPop has stated in their defense that despite the ongoing epidemic taking place, they are vigilant as ever in holding this convention and to see it through to the end.
Now for some of us, we’re not oblivious to what is taking place in the US. As we have seen, within the last week or so, USA’s infection rate from COVID-19 has climbed from 15 infected to 105+ and it’s rapidly growing. For the Comic Con community and those who travel either nationally or internationally in search of promoting their brands, the question on everybody’s mind is…
“Should we continue to travel to Cons at this time?”
or more importantly,
“Should we travel to the famous Emerald City Comic Con?”
Map from the New York Times Coronavirus Watch ‘3/3/2020’
This question is of the utmost importance for the following reasons:
Millions of dollars have been invested in the community of Seattle, the hotels, the eateries and the event as a whole. If this 4-day star studded event crashes, so to speak, this event might have a ripple effect that could affect this con or brand for years. People, who were able to go this year may never have the funds to attend the event again. Consumers who scrimped and saved to travel across this glorious nation to see the northern part of the west coast may not have this opportunity to buy their ECCC exclusives or get in contact with their favorite artists again; not for another 365 days or ever….
‘H1Nerd1’ – The dreaded 2009 Swine flu that affected nearly 100 attendees with the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) at PAX in 2009. This event drew approximately 75,000 gamers to the Washington State Convention and Trade Center between Sept. 4 and 6 and still went on as participants knew about the illness and played their hearts out.
While cons are great institutions for networking, enjoying comic books, video games and cosplay posing, on a biological level, it's also a perfect ecosystem for the exchange of new microbes as strangers from far and wide interact each other as they share hugs, photos, food and fun.
ReedPop, famous for their world-famous events such as New York City Comic Con, Book Con, ComplexCon, and other awesome events have assessed this situation and as a result, have made sure that your approach to this famed con will be safe and successful:
“We know ECCC means a lot to a lot of people. Many of us and you have been looking forward to ECCC for a year now, and we will always want the best for this community that we have grown to love so much.
ECCC 2020 will take place as scheduled March 12th-15th at the Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) in downtown Seattle.
We have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization across the show, including adhering to the recommendations set forth in the U.S. EPA's Emerging Pathogen Policy regarding cleaning disinfectants effective against the COVID-19 virus.
We are working closely with the WSCC and our other venue partners and aligning with local, state and federal public health guidelines and agencies. As ECCC approaches we will be constantly reviewing our health protection activities, public health messaging, hygiene and medical control measures with the aim of strengthening our COVID-19 response further in line with up to date public health advice and guidance including that of the CDC.
For more information about COVID-19 and response of the WSCC, the State of Washington and the city of Seattle, please refer to our website. We want to express our concern for everyone impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
The well-being of our global Reedpop community, from our fans and exhibitors to our staff on-site at every show – is of the utmost importance to Reedpop and we take pride in creating a positive environment to celebrate comics, cosplay and pop culture. We are looking forward to four days of fun and we can't wait to see you.”
And while many comic book artists, special guests and companies are feeling some type of way and canceling their attendance to ECCC (via twitter, see below), there are some who are not. It’s also important to note that while you may not get infected if you attend the event, once the trip is over and you travel home, it’s possible that you might develop symptoms and as you interact with other people on the plane ride home and get off, they might get infected from you and the risks for them might not be as favorable as it was for you….
So the main question you must ask yourself again is:
“Should you travel to Emerald City Comic Con in the face of this epidemic/pandemic?”
Here are the facts:
The coronavirus or COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is affecting people on a ‘pandemic level’ with people in the state of Washington so far leading the mortality total of 9 dead so far.
Of those people who have passed, they were elderly; in the 50+ range.
If you get sick, wherever you are, you will probably be placed on a 14-day quarantine at the local hospital, if the hotel fare runs out. You’ll probably be separated from everyone if you’re an ‘out of towner’. God forbid that happens. Maybe…
If you get back and you develop symptoms on the plane, you’ll literally be like that ‘Outbreak Monkey’ infecting everyone around you and you’ll probably have to quarantine at soon as you touch down in your hometown.
You may not get sick at all and have the time of your life.
If you go, and its less than packed, you’ll have access to all the exclusives offered without competition. Especially the Funkos…(see above)
You’ll probably get some great pictures of artwork, cosplay and be the first in line for exclusive after parties.
You’ll probably get some great deals from your favorite artists…if they show up.
I’m pressed on this issue as Region 99 favors Emerald City, however, as for you, the reader, it’s a very tough judgment call to make. Vice President Pence said, ‘use common sense’ (I can’t believe I’m quoting him!!!), so I leave that same statement to you: “Use common sense”!!!. Now the CDC and other health officials have said the epidemic is going to get worse (increase in number) and not to panic. However, with the buying of water, hand sanitizers, and bleach wipes, followed by the closing of schools in various states for sanitation measures; not to mention the canceling of various conventions on the west coast (even Google canceled), Emerald City might turn into a ‘Green Desert’.
Region 99, might attend, but we’re mainly concerned for you, the con goer, the exclusive collector, the cosplay participate and/or the art collector. One should never place their life for a con, especially when there are other conventions that will be happening for the new millennium. If you do attend, we recommend that you do the following:
Hazmat Breaking-Bad
Limit the amount of person to person contact you do – When you meet that famous artist that inspired and changed your life or if you meet your favorite cosplayer. Simply alter the way you greet them. You could always do the improvised ‘quarantined handshake’. We also call it the ‘¼ kid and play dance’.
Puffs or Kleenex? - Tissues are key to any situation. Open a door, use a tissue. Feeling some type of way about the usage of a tool or utility, use a wet wipe to wipe it down. A tissue serves as a medium; a barrier of protection between you and any object.
You sick? – Don’t even go. Weakened immune systems don’t fare well against COVID-19 clustered environments.
Drink Water - Stay Hydrated. Water cleans you and flushes out the toxins.
60% Alcohol - Not to drink, for your hands. The CDC has recommended that hand sanitizing gel with a 60% alcohol content is a must in killing any microbes on your hands.
Soap and Water – Above all, WASH YOUR DAMN HANDS!!! For 20 seconds. It’s the equivalent of singing the birthday song twice.
Cosplay as a HAZMAT worker from Breaking Bad – Do I need to go into detail here….protect ya’ neck, eyes, nose and mouth….nuff’ said.
No matter what you decide, please use common sense and do your research if you still decide to attend.
Emerald City Comic Con is awesome if you’ve never attended and it will definitely be around next year if you miss this year.
Don’t worry, I’m sure ReedPop will understand.
