The Anime Central convention announced that it will no longer require proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or masks in order to attend the convention.
The popular anime and manga convention posted an update on its website on May 16 that stated that it was dropping many of its COVID-19 safety precautions, including vaccine and mask requirements. According to the website, the changes were done "based on current CDC Guidelines and align with the requirements of the Donald E. Stephens Conventions Center and state and local health authorities regarding large indoor events." The site states that guests will be required to voluntarily report if they are experiencing any of the common symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the convention. While masks will not be required throughout the entire convention, the post "strongly recommends" that attendees still wear face coverings, and notes that certain events, such as panels or signings, may still require masks, depending on whether a guest of honor at that event has requested that requirement to be enforced.
The sudden changes to the convention's COVID-19 policies have sparked a backlash from many attendees, who pointed out that the convention's official Twitter account previously reassured them that this exact situation would not happen: on April 29, the convention's official Twitter account stated that the convention's COVID-19 policy would not change before the start of convention, and further reminded guests on May 2 that masks would be required at event. The convention's Twitter account has since been inundated with replies from guests linking back to these statements. Many guests also appear to be particularly angry at the timing of the announcement, which was posted just four days before the start of the convention on May 20.
While many attendees have stated that the changes to the COVID-19 policies have caused them to rethink their decision to attend the event, the announcement on the convention's website states that it will not be offering refunds or badge rollovers at this time, which has only sparked further outrage.
CBR has reached out to Anime Central for comment and clarification, but has not heard back from the convention's representatives at this time.
Anime Central is organized by the Midwest Anime Promotion Society. The convention was founded in 1998 to address the lack of anime conventions in the midwest region of the United States at the time. The con has grown to be one of the largest anime-focused events in the area, having attracted over 33,000 attendees in 2019. Like many other large-scale gatherings in North America, the convention had to cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing quarantine restrictions.
SOURCE: Anime Central