Otakon: Monitoring Novel Coronavirus concerns for Otakon 2020

[Ana]

Last Update: April 17, 2020

Our thoughts are with those affected by the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus and we want our members to know we are closely monitoring the situation as it continues to develop. Events DC has closed and suspended operations at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center through May 15th. Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor of the District of Columbia, has extended the public health emergency, stay at home order and closure of non-essential businesses through May 15, 2020.

At this time, Otakon 2020 is planned to go on as scheduled, July 31-August 2, 2020.

Otakon®: Monitoring Novel Coronavirus concerns for Otakon 2020

Otakon is an annual celebration of Asian pop culture (anime, manga, music, movies, video games, etc.) and its fandom!

www.otakon.com

(Washington, DC) – April 17, 2020 – Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is converting 473,000 square feet of exhibit space (Halls A, B, C) into an approximately 1,200-bed alternate care facility. The site is designed to alleviate the strain on DC’s hospitals in anticipation of the surge in positive COVID-19 cases. When needed, the convention center facility will primarily treat non-acute COVID-19 patients.

In coordination with Mayor Bowser’s office, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), the DC Department of Health and Events DC, the Army Corp of Engineers will be responsible for overseeing the construction of the temporary alternate care facility at the Convention Center. The build-out is expected to be fully completed within approximately 30 days.

EventsDC - Statement on Conversion of Walter E. Washington Convention Center into an Alternate Care Facility

www.dcconvention.com