The concept of video game conventions right now remains a controversial one, as COVID-19 vaccinations have helped return life in the US to a degree of normalcy but yet the pandemic continues. It's no surprise then that PAX West 2021's announcement in June was met with controversy, as the convention was planning to have no COVID-19 restrictions. It seems the PAX West team has heard the criticism, however, as the convention will now require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for attendees.

A statement from PAX West's organizers was issued Tuesday morning addressing the change in plans. Specifically, attendees entering the convention will be required to show one of two things: one, proof of the completion of full COVID-19 vaccination, or two, a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test. PAX West will also require attendees to show government-issued ID in order to properly verify the authenticity of the vaccination or test. Suffice to say, PAX West's entrance lines might be a little longer than usual.

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PAX West also provides some additional context for the situation. It explains that the announcement of PAX West 2021 and its initial lack of COVID-19 was with reason, in that it was only what PAX West was able to "commit to" at the time. While it doesn't say it outright, it does insinuate that it was working toward either the current policy or similar requirements for COVID-19 restrictions. It's only now that PAX West is able to fully support verification of vaccination and testing.

In its statement, PAX West also recommits to requirements for face coverings during the convention. Everyone who attends PAX West will have to wear a mask while attending the convention. The convention has guidelines for what masks are approved and how to correctly wear them on its official website. As one of the gaming industry's biggest conventions, masks and social distancing will be a key effort in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

These aren't all of the health and safety guidelines that PAX West will have implemented for the convention, either. Its website also lists other policies including overall reduced capacity for the convention, directional distance markers placed on the convention floor to enable physical distancing, and signage throughout the convention informing attendees of safety guidelines and protocol. With many conventions, like BlizzConline, still choosing to stay online, PAX West is setting an important standard.

While some may question the decision to announce PAX West without initial confirmation of vaccination, the fact that it's now in place will likely come as a relief to many. Given the recent onset of the COVID-19 Delta and Gamma variants within the United States, worries about viral spread are increasing once again. By PAX West's start on September 3, those worries are likely to be all the higher. Hopefully, PAX West continues to be communicative with its attendees going forward, and perhaps remain open to switching to another PAX Online event if need be.

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