If you’re heading to PAX East, but are afraid of getting sick, we’ve got some tips to stay happy and healthy.
With some confirmations of the coronavirus in Boston, there are legitimate worries when it comes to getting sick at PAX East. Everyone is rightfully wary, and Sony even pulled its PAX East booth over health concerns. But as the adage goes, “the show must go on,” and so PAX East will proceed as scheduled. And while there are still a ton of events on the docket, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions and care for yourself while you’re there.
It’s worth noting that this advice is good daily practice, too. Stock up on tissues, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and sanitary wipes because we can all do our part to reduce the spread of disease and prevent illness. Most importantly, if you don’t feel well, just stay home. Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Remember while traveling to disinfect any public use surfaces. Hotels, planes, and public transportation are all places where plenty of people occupy, after all, and you have no way of knowing their current health conditions. Always wash your hands before you eat, after going to the bathroom, or if you cough or sneeze. Wash for at least twenty seconds with soap and water.
During your time at PAX East, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you must sneeze or cough, cover it with a tissue, then throw the tissue away before washing your hands. Keep an alcohol-based sanitizer on you in case you find yourself without soap and water.
It may be tempting to wear a facemask to protect yourself, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you don’t. Facemasks are for health workers and people showing symptoms. People showing symptoms wear masks so that they don’t spread what they have to others. To reiterate, if you intend to go to PAX East and are showing symptoms, then you should stay home and possibly see a medical professional.
Sickness is something to be wary of. However, it doesn’t need to spoil your fun. By following this advice you should be able to freely enjoy your PAX East experience while minimizing your risk of infection. There will also extra medical support and health messages displayed publicly at the event.
Source: CDC
