Emerald City Comic Con Postponed For Coronavirus

The annual Emerald City Comic Con held in Seattle has been postponed until the summer due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus that has infected dozens in the state and killed at least 11 people, organizers said on Friday.

The new date of the event and details are forthcoming.

"We did everything that we could to run the event as planned, but ultimately, we are following the guidance of local public health officials indicating that conventions should not be postponed," organizers said in a statement.

In King County, there have been 51 cases of the coronavirus, including nine deaths with a majority of those tied to a nursing home in Kirkland. County officials have urged residents to consider working from home when possible and avoid large groups of people, particularly if they have underlying health issues. Officials classified large gatherings as those with more than 10 people.

Earlier this week, organizers said the convention would go on as planned March 12-15 even as several creators announced they were pulling out amid coronavirus concerns. However, attendees were given the option to have their tickets refunded if they decided not to go.

Organizers said on Friday they would offer refunds and no further action is needed on anyone's part. Those who had planned on attending can expect a refund in 30 days.

Read the full statement from organizers here.