Mask Requirement for TwitchCon
After the surge of COVID cases after TwitchCon EU it was incredibly surprising to see the lack of mask policy for the event and makes many of us incredibly concerned about TwitchCon NA. Many other cons that have gone without a mask policy have only exacerbated the COVID cases where cons like PAX East, West etc have had much lower cases by having a strict mask policy.
We hear you and take these concerns seriously. In response to all of your feedback, we are updating our TwitchCon policies to require masks, as well as either proof of vaccination or a negative covid test. We will continue to review our health and safety guidelines along with local authorities in order to keep our community safe IRL at TwitchCon San Diego. Thank you for making your voice heard. More info is available here.
-
QuarterDrank commented
Please follow the actual guidelines:
https://covid19.ca.gov/mega-events/ -
LW88 commented
Proof of vaccination too!
-
nadineosaurus commented
There is no reason to not require masks and proof of vaccination/negative test because this is a safety and health issue. This is not only in consideration for all who are attending regardless of their status but for all staff members present as well. This policy is made to protect everyone and ourselves. Until it's required and a definite policy, you probably won't see us there. DO BETTER.
-
SpringheeledJ commented
I was planning on going since I live in San Diego. I also know that it is dangerous to try and go without safety requirements in place.
-
nmjohn commented
Require masks.
-
Doomsday31415 commented
It really isn't complicated.
Protect the safety of people attending the event, or get boycotted.
Only fools will attend such a dangerous event.
-
elozabth commented
I’m unable to attend twitchcon because as an immunocompromised person the lack of any covid safety measures puts me at very high risk. So disappointed that twitch completely disregards its users with health issues who just want to enjoy their favourite creators like everyone else.
-
Doomsday31415 commented
Either TwitchCon protects its attendants with mask and test/vaccine requirements, or TwitchCon doesn't have attendants.
-
Hazonku commented
As a local I can tell you we LITERALLY just had San Diego Comicon in the exact same location and they managed just fine while requiring masks and proof of vaccination or a recent negative test. Attendance was pretty solid. It only seemed smaller because a bunch of the largest vendors weren't there hogging up the floor space. This decision about TwitchCon speaks volumes to how out of touch Twitch are with their community and the world at large. The economy is shrinking, inflation is through the roof, people are cutting costs left & right (subs to entertainment services being a reasonable first to go), there's STILL a pandemic and you're asking us to risk another two weeks off when 4-6 days is already going to hurt more than usual? That is ridiculous, irresponsible, and frankly put, dangerous. Both physically and financially.
-
landsharkattack commented
SDCC, which literally just wrapped up in the same event space, required vaccination/negative test. It's the bare minimum. Take attendee safety seriously.
-
DemonCatDaphne commented
https://covid19.ca.gov/mega-events/ <- They're saying they're following local guidelines, but these guidelines clearly state masks and vaccine/negative tests are strongly recommended
-
FTL_FAM commented
Twitch's current policy to have no mask mandate, or other forms of protection like negative on-site testing, or proof of vaccine requirements during an on-going pandemic is criminally negligent in the light of rising Covid cases.
Twitch is sending a clear message they only care about money and is willing to put the safety and well-being of its staff, content creators and fans at risk in order to achieve maximum profits. Twitch is morally bankrupt in its current line of thinking.
The irony, however, is many content creators are advising their communities to not attend TwitchCon 2022, out of fear for their health and safety. This will have a negative impact on ticket sales and outside revenue for surrounding San Diego, businesses... The exact opposite of what Twitch was hoping to achieve.
If changes to the current policies and safety measure don't take place within the next few days/weeks, Twitch 2022 will most likely be considered a financial failure due to cancelations and low attendance, and Twitch will only have itself to blame.
Twitch, show that you actually care about your staff, content creators and fans who have financially supported you over the years, either online or in-person, by ensuring their health and safety through multiple means (mask mandate; negative Covid testing; proof of vaccine) at what is supposed to be a celebration of in-person camaraderie & community interaction.
-
gingerchris86 commented
It feels like Twitchcon is completely ignoring the disabled and immunocompromised communities by this action. but more fool them, those people, and the people who care about them won't spend money on it.
In making this change you are showing the community you care about them. by keeping the policy as you have it, you are saying you don't care.
-
Batsouppe commented
Please reconsider to protect vendors and artists who won't be able to take breaks or step outside. They are likely the most at risk!! Maintaining some protection guidelines is the least you can do.
-
Fairaday commented
It's disappointing that Twitch seems to be ignoring that the pandemic is still happening, and people are still getting needlessly sick. Masks are the most basic precaution that can/should be taken.
-
toriitv_ commented
Require mask and proof of negative test results or proof of vaccinated. Cases are rising this is not a smart idea to have thousands to attend and not have a mandate this is very disappointing,
-
TWD4Lyfe commented
Require masks. Require proof of vaccination or proof of negative status. My group of 10 close gaming friends are cancelling our trips, because a couple of them are immunocompromised, and we are standing in solidarity. We are also letting The Westin(where we planned to stay) that we will be cancelling our room reservations because if the lack of safety that Twitch is providing at the convention.
-
Nate_LapT commented
oh god, *******.
Cons before the rona were cesspools.
Just because this is a con of gamers doesn't mean they don't have families that go outside and visit others! -
Immortal_Sin commented
Please please PLEASE reconsider the choice for ZERO protection. Requiring masks and vaccinations is a SMALL ask. Help us protect ourselves as well as our loved ones. I would hate to have to cancel all my plans for my husband and I to go to the con. We would be traveling literally across the entire country to attend. And I do NOT want to put my family at risk for Covid. I'm on the brink of canceling my hotel reservations. Please do better Twitch.
-
fdge00 commented
It also needs to be stated to wear the mask properly/effectively!
Because, wearing a mask only covering the mouth, under the chin, or hanging off one ear doesn't not help. Same goes for masks with unfiltered vents.
Wearing a mask doesn't protect you, it protects others from you. If you want/need to be protected, you need others to wear masks (properly/effectively).