Add another convention cancellation to the list of inconveniences caused by coronavirus.
Concerns over the outbreak of novel virus COVID-2019, commonly known as coronavirus, have scuttled the annual festival celebrating MMO space corporation simulator EVE Online. The cancellation was announced yesterday, February 28, via a statement by the game’s developer CCP. The festival would have taken place from April 2 to 4 in Reykjavik, Iceland, the home base of CCP. As in past years, Fanfest was going to feature a variety of events including, a pub crawl, concerts, a charity dinner, and an EVE Online PvP tournament.
The cancellation of Fanfest is intended to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This virus began infecting humans for the first time late last year in China. The virus, which is distantly related to the virus that caused the SARS epidemic in 2003, causes flu-like symptoms. Since the first human cases were discovered, coronavirus has caused a major public health crisis in China as well as limited outbreaks in the United States, Italy, Iran, and other countries. While the number of deaths caused by coronavirus is dwarfed by an average flu season, the fact that little is known about the incubation period for the virus as well as just how transmissible the virus is. These factors make it more difficult for public health workers to monitor and prevent the spread of this disease than more common infections.
While there has been only one confirmed case of coronavirus in Iceland at this time, the player base for EVE Online is exceptionally international in its makeup. The game’s massively multiplayer nature combined with PvP play that can end up costing players actual money has let to the creation of in-game groups that span the globe in an effort by players to literally not be caught sleeping by an opposing faction. This has led to EVE Online Fanfests becoming one of the most international gatherings of gamers around. Even one infected attendee at an event like Fanfest has the potential to cause multiple outbreaks all over the world — the decision to cancel is definitely a good way to protect public health.
Even so, this must be disappointing for EVE fans. At least they have a month to cancel travel plans.
Now go wash your hands.
Source: EVE Online Official Blog
