Contracting Coronavirus in Boston Remains Extremely Low
A few days ago, Sony announced that they will not be present at PAX East in Boston this year due to fears over the Coronavirus. In regards to the decision, Sony posted on their official blog, stating, “We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.” However, Marty Walsh, Boston’s Mayor, sent a letter to Sony’s president, urging to reconsider pulling out of PAX East.
On top of the low presence of Coronavirus in Boston, Walsh states that these exaggerated fears have fueled anti-Chinese and anti-Asian sentiments not only in Boston but in America as a whole. It is reported that, since the outbreak, most Chinese businesses in Boston have suffered revenue losses greater than 50%.
In his letter, he wrote, “These fears reinforce harmful stereotypes that generations of Asians have worked hard to dismantle. They trigger our worst impulses: to view entire groups of people with suspicion, to close ourselves off, and to miss out on the opportunities and connections our global city provides. Boston is united in our efforts to dispel these harmful and misguided fears.”
Currently, the only confirmed case of the Coronavirus was found in a UMass student who had contracted the virus during his visit to Wuhan. He has been kept in quarantined care in his home since last month without any signs of the virus having transferred to anyone else.
Finally, Walsh added “As a large, international company, you have an opportunity to set a good example. As a leader in technology, you can show that you are motivated by facts, not fear. As a leader in gaming and culture, you can show that you believe in connection, not isolation.”
What do you think? Is Sony being a little too paranoid about the Coronavirus? Or are they making the right decision by pulling out of PAX?
Source: WCVB