After the backlash from attendees and even some streamers online, Twitchcon San Diego released a statement regarding mask requirements, vaccination, and even testing for the attendees as both Monkeypox and COVID-19 cases continue to rise in California, as reported first by The Verge.
"We want TwitchCon to be a place where our entire community can come together and celebrate each other. It should be an inclusive event for everyone, and that means taking steps to ensure as many people as possible feel comfortable with the safety precautions we're taking," Twitch stated.
According to TwitchCon's updated health measures FAQ, they will now be requiring masks in indoor spaces, excluding the Kappa Cabana and TwitchCon party which will partake outdoors, and proof of at least 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine or a negative result of COVID-19 test in no more than 72 hours before the event.
Backlash from Attendees and Streamers
Before the mandate, attendees and streamers expressed their hesitation about the said event as they were not comfortable and secure because of the two viruses. Twitch Partner Garry Whitta said in an interview for The Verge that he already booked a hotel for the said event but he completely changed his mind after knowing the old policy.
Merry Kish, Director of Community Marketing of Twitch, also confirmed via Twitter the sudden changes on the said event as she was approached by a Twitch partner regarding this issue.
Twitch said in the statement that they recognize the disappointment of some attendees because of the new health measures but the safety of the attendees is their top priority. For people who will not be comfortable on these measure, the company is offering refunds until August 19 if ever the attendees can not handle the newly updated guidelines for the convention.
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Attendees for TwitchCon San Diego 2022
Big names from the gaming community are confirmed to attend the convention such as Tyleroakley, DisgustedToast, MsAshRocks, Pokimaine, and Neeko.
Twitch teases the attendees that more names will be revealed soon to join the convention in October. Meet and greets and photo opportunities are also possible to happen.
The three-day event will consist of different activities such as Creator Camps, Community Panels, Interactive Sessions, Expo Floor, and more where Twitch community can enjoy the whole experience.
3 tickets are available to their website as of the moment. The 1-day ticket that costs $129 and the 3-day ticket for $199. The other 3-Day ticket will have an acces for the TwitchCon Party, and it costs $229.
All ticktet holders will be receiving Swag Bags from Twitch.
California's Sate Regarding COVID-19
Cases from June 9-August 3 are averaging to 12,000 people testing postive for the said virus, the reason for some to be very hesitant to attend the event. Hence, the health protocols will be implemented to prevent more cases during the event.
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Written by Inno Flores
