Posted in: Comics, Emerald City Comic Con | Tagged: coronavirus, coronavirus comics, eccc
Will Seattle's ECCC Continue in Light of New Coronavirus Deaths?
I am currently stuck at home with the kids, their school remains closed after two suspected coronavirus cases from students and teachers returning from Italy. Self-isolating, it's basically all we are discussing now. The annual Emerald City Comic Con from Reed POP is planned to take place in Seattle in eleven days time, from March 12-15th at the Washington State Convention. As concerns around the spreading of the coronavirus grow, alongside the news that four more victims had died in the Seattle area, the show issued the following statement;
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.
However, a number of comic book creators are feeling differently and some have been pulling out. I am told that a number of major guests will be announcing their planned absence from the show today. However, others remain even more committed to attend, simply taking precautions. And some can't see what the fuss is about. Here are some recent updates on individual comic book people's social media,
Whatever people choose, stay safe out there. Official advice is not to stop travelling, not to stop socialising or having fun and, right now, you are as likely to encounter the virus where you live as at a comic book convention. As I found out myself this week, coming home after going to the London Film And Comic Con.
More as we hear it.