So, a convention that is very local to me, which I usually attend every year, is coming up in about a month.

It's located very close to where I live - which is good for me usually, but at present we have local cases of SARS-CoV-2, and confirmed community spread. It's getting passed around without being noticed in this neck of the woods.

The County released a statement urging people to take this seriously. They asked for the cancellation or postponement of all mass gatherings, in order to slow the spread and lessen the burden on healthcare providers.

The convention, on the other hand, made a statement saying that they have no intention to change the schedule at all. They basically say "Unless they MAKE us stop, we're still going forward!!"

This is a small convention. About 2,500 people. But more significantly, no huge vendors, no big sponsors, and no corporate presence. Basically everything is independent artists and fans. And those independent artists aren't going to back out on a Payday they desperately need.

So unlike ECCC or the like, there won't be big, public announcements of withdrawals. So no public pressure on the convention at all. So they're probably going to go ahead full steam, assuming saying "wash your hands!" is enough.

I know the room parties that happen at this convention. The virus will be there, and it will spread.

People are saying that any concerns about this virus are overreaction, but some of the people I love and need the most are at high risk from this thing. I would be devastated if my actions caused someone else to fall ill, or lose someone they love.

I'm terrified in general, so it feels weird to see a convention in the heart of a rapidly worsening hot zone brush this all off and act like business as usual. Particularly when the county said "Please don't do this!"

I also was looking forward to this convention. It's the one time a year I take time for /me/, to do what I want to do. And to cancel my plans to attend, and go to work instead, will hurt. Particularly knowing it's right down the road, and a lot of people are there enjoying themselves. The FOMO is going to be overwhelming. But so is the fear.

It feels irresponsible to keep the convention going in the face of a pandemic. But is it just me feeling sour grapes? I can't tell.

I guess a lot can change in a month.

@Phorm You could cancel and still take time off to relax you know?

Your area doesn't have as much spread as up here most likely but yeah, a con right now is not a good plan.