It’s been all around the news. The Coronavirus. Factories in China closed in February. Italy is on a nation wide public gathering ban. New York is in a state of emergency.
What does this all mean? Well, if you’re following and of the memes on Facebook, it means you need to stock up on toilet paper. . .
All honesty though, this is a virus that spreads easily and has been causing quite the stir in the media. Most of the deaths associated with this virus have been in the elderly and people with preexisting and compromised immune health issues. This can be scary for loved ones.
What does this mean for board games?
Manufacturing
Well, first let’s talk about manufacturing. Since most of the games are made in China factories, this means a delay in games. A lot of Kickstarters recently have done updates explaining this. Some games can still get a small percentage of work done. This includes working at home and going over print files to make sure they’ll work. Besides that, in February factories closed to help stop the spread of the virus.
What to do? All we can really do is wait it out. Be patient. Don’t get mad at game companies or retailers because something is delayed. Don’t be worried about these games coming with “extras” when you open them. It’s estimated that the survivability of Coronavirus on surfaces is very low. The virus shouldn’t survive the overseas shipping.
Conventions
United States has just started to get into it’s convention season. GAMA is happening now. CMON Expo and other conventions are around the corner.
Impact of Coronavirus on these? Well, GAMA has had several companies back out due to it. CMON Expo has been cancelled. I’m sure other conventions will follow suit if the number of confirmed cases in the area are still present. New York Toy Fair still went on in February. I’m sure if it was slated around this time, it would have been cancelled too.
What to do with a cancelled convention? Once again. Be patient and understanding. A lot of the exhibitors fly out to these and set up booths. If the virus is easily spread, this will increase the chance of it spreading more across the country. It’s not that these companies want to skip out. A lot of times these conventions are great for advertising. We have to be understanding and out health above our hobby. So don’t get mad if something gets cancelled or someone doesn’t show up.
Prevention
Ok, so the convention is still a go. You want to go, but don’t want to bring anything home that you didn’t buy.
The virus is spread through close contact with an infected individual. About 6 feet. And through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.
- Make sure to bring hand sanitizer. Use this when you’re handling anything you don’t know who touched it before you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Suggested time is at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face. This is the easiest way for you to contract anything you don’t want.
- If you’re feeling sick, just stay home. If you’re down on your health, your immune system is already working to fight something off. No need to add anything new.
There you have it. Stay safe, stay healthy, be patient and be understanding.
Everyone and their Grandmother Games 