Sony announced on rather short notice that the company would not be attending PAX East 2020 which kicks off on Friday, citing concerns about the spread of the dreaded coronavirus. Boston mayor Marty Walsh has officially penned an open letter asking the company to reconsider its decision to pull out from the convention, urging the company to reconsider and learn more about the “realities” of this health issue:
While we understand that you are concerned for the health and safety of your workforce, we urge you to reconsider and to learn more about the realities of this global health issue.
Further comments from Walsh included him indicating that he considers there to be “no threat” of the coronavirus spreading within the city. There has been one confirmed case of the coronavirus in Boston at this time, but the convention organizers have indicated there will be “enhanced cleaning and sanitation” at the event this year. That having been said, given the sheer number of people at these events they’re well-known to be breeding grounds for illness, so it seems like Sony’s concern for the health and safety of its employees is the “better safe than sorry” option. No word yet on whether or not Walsh will also reach out to Square-Enix at this point.
