ATLANTA — One of Atlanta’s most popular conventions will now require attendees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend.
Dragon Con made the announcement Tuesday night, citing the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
“From the start, we have committed to hosting a convention that would help protect our fans from the spread of COVID while staying true to the traditions that make Dragon Con fun and memorable. As the number of COVID related cases continues to climb, it becomes clear that we need to update our health and safety protocols in order to keep that commitment,” organizers said.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“With the Delta variant causing more COVID-19 cases worldwide, including “breakthrough” infections of vaccinated individuals, we must make changes to our COVID protocols including requiring all attendees who attend the live convention to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arrival before entering the convention.”
For fully vaccinated people 18 and older, proof of vaccination can be shown on their phones or copies of their vaccination card, along with an appropriate ID matching the name on the documentation.
This will need to be shown when picking up Dragon Con badges.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Georgia hits milestone 1 million COVID-19 cases since start of the pandemic
- Cobb school bus drivers receiving hefty bonus after working during the pandemic
- Georgia health officials want more millennials to get vaccinated
Unvaccinated people, kids under the age of 12 or people who choose not to show proof of vaccination will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test.
The test must be taken within 72 hours and come back negative in order to pick up Dragon Con badges.
“Any adult who purchased their children’s memberships in the same transaction as their own will be authorized to show a negative COVID test on their child’s behalf and pick up their badge,” the convention said.
[RELATED: Music Midtown to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test to attend]
Dragon Con is held every Labor Day weekend and will take place Sept. 2-6 this year.
The beloved convention and parade usually draws hundreds of thousands of people to Atlanta each year. The pandemic moved all events virtually in 2020.
Dragon Con organizers have a mix of in-person and virtual events planned for this year. Organizers said the parade will also be scaled back with fewer participants.
While the parade is usually open to the public, only people with Dragon Con tickets will be allowed to watch the parade in person this year. There will be no Saturday-only membership sales before or during the convention. One-day badges will only be available for Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday.
In addition to the vaccination proof or negative test, face masks will also be required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status. A full list of COVID-19 protocols and FAQs can be found here.
This browser does not support the video element.