Due to the ongoing global pandemic and the emergence of more contagious strains of COVID-19, it was announced this week that the upcoming PAX West 2021 convention would require all attendees to either show proof of a completed vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test upon entry.
“Prior to entry we will now require proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series or a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test, each to be verified with a valid, government issued ID,” the official announcement reads. “If you have purchased badges and have questions or concerns about this requirement, please reach out to PAX Questions at [email protected]
“When PAX West 2021 badges were announced, the PAX Team made the decision to communicate what we could commit to at that time, rather than what we were working toward. While we let the community know the health and safety guidelines could evolve, we wanted to get it right and we feel confident that verification of fully vaccination or negative test, along with continued face covering requirements for everyone, will create an environment that promotes the wellbeing of our PAX community.”
In addition to the above requirements, face masks will also be compulsory and capacity has been reduced to help everyone on site comply with social distancing recommendations.
PAX West is currently schedule to run from September 3rd to the 6th in Seattle.
Meanwhile in the Southern Hemisphere, PAX AUS, the annual Australian PAX convention, is still on track to run the following month from October 8th through to the 10th though no pandemic-related requirements have been announced yet. With just three months to go and the current significant outbreak of the Delta strain in Sydney, it wouldn’t be surprising if a similar vaccine or mask rule was applied. The event, much like PAX AUS 2020, could even be cancelled outright if the situation in Sydney worsens and border restrictions prevent Australians from travelling interstate.
Will you be attending a PAX convention this year? What do you think about the various requirements? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more gaming news.
