“I love SXSW, but I don’t believe the novel
coronavirus can be contained, and I view an
int’l event of 100K+ people as a huge risk to
attendees and the entire city, given limited ICU
beds, etc,” Ferriss wrote.
Global fear continues to rise about COVID-19,
the disease caused by the new virus. Worldwide,
more than 94,000 people have been sickened
and more than 3,200 have died. The number
of infections in the U.S. has climbed past 120,
scattered across at least 15 states.
More than 40,000 people have signed a
petition seeking to get the event cancelled.
This isn’t the first time a negative cloud has
been cast over the festival. A driver plowed
into a crowd outside SXSW in 2014, killing two
people and injuring 23 others.
Nonetheless, SXSW officials noted that the
festival will proceed as intended, adding that
Texas health officials have not asked them to call
off any gatherings.
“SXSW is working closely on a daily basis with
local, state, and federal agencies to plan for
a safe event. As a result of this dialogue and
the recommendations of Austin Public Health,
the 2020 event is proceeding with safety as
a top priority,” organizers said in a statement,
adding that they will provide hand sanitizer, and
disinfectant wipes and spray for attendees.
The festival drew 73,716 attendees last year,
19,166 of whom came from outside the U.S.
Combined with SXSW’s gaming expo and
education conference, the 2019 event drew
417,400 attendees, organizers said. An economic
impact report found it contributed $355.9
million to the local economy.