Yesterday was news that the Minnesota man who contracted the omicron variant of COVID had attended Anime NYC in November. It now turns out the individual met up with about 35 friends at the convention and so far half have tested positive for the coronavirus according to state health officials.

The group had traveled to Anime NYC from multiple states. The convention began November 19 and ran through November 21. The individuals tested positive after their return home. It hasn’t been said if they tested positive with omicron or other variants.

Kris Ehresmann, director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division at the Minnesota Department of Health said in an interview:

We don’t know if we’ll see a lot of omicron, or we’ll see a lot of delta. But we’re likely to see a lot of covid (out of the convention).

The convention drew 53,000 people. It’s hard to say where people were infected since they traveled throughout New York City, just that people infected attended the convention.

The Minnesota man flew to New York City on November 18 and his symptoms began on November 22. He was vaccinated and received a booster in November. The individual’s symptoms were mild and resolved on November 24.

The convention required proof of at least one vaccine shot and the use of masks. But, videos and photos showed some attendees not wearing masks and as happens at conventions, masks are often not worn in gatherings outside of the convention. Twitter responses to Anime NYC’s initial statement includes numerous individuals complaining of lax enforcement of masks as well as checks on vaccination.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio released a statement saying anyone who attended Anime NYC should get tested immediately especially if they experience symptoms.

(via Washington Post)