Features

With The Covid-19 Situation Now A Pandemic Should Large Airsoft Gatherings Be Cancelled?

Gungho Cowboy

Tom Clancy's The Division 2

Every hour, we dread the news of new affected persons and deaths with the Covid-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world, affecting both rich and poor countries. Many countries now are closing their borders to non-citizens and non-residents, implemented country-wide lockdowns, advising self-quarantine to those who have mild symptoms, and encouraging “social distancing” which means that social activities are to be curtailed such as events, bars, restaurants, and theatres.

You read it right, events are now being banned, such as in the Czech republic where they are not allowing gatherings of 30 or more people in order to prevent the rapid spread of the virus. Two of the biggest airsoft events in the world, Berget Events and Border War have announced the postponement of their events. We still have to hear of other events organisers of their plans of cancelling or postponement of their large events.

If you are to ask us if airsoft events should be cancelled for now, we will say that they should be as the airsoft community must do its share to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Whilst it sounds easy to say, it is hard for those depending on airsoft events for livelihood, which is basically the whole airsoft industry --- if airsoft players can’t play, then they would put off their purchases of airsoft related products and services which is translated to lower revenues for the industry. But those who will be hit hardest will be the airsoft events organisers as they have already invested in preparations of their events. No players, no income.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (Source: Wikimedia)

Thus, our more thought-out answer is that airsoft events organisers should be on their toes and be ready to cancel their events even at the last minute. They should readily assess the situation by watching the news from credible news sources, follow advisories or orders from authorities, and also update their customers if there are changes to the events such as a postponement or cancellation.

For those who are in countries that have already banned sporting events or big gatherings, the answer is clear cut, but for those in countries already affected  but have not declared national emergencies yet, it is the call of the organisers to cancel their events. It is always better to err on the side of caution especially in a pandemic.

Airsoft event organisers and game site owners should be ready to bite the bullet.

We do not know how long the pandemic will last and we are all going to hunker down until it blows over. As much as we will try to have some normality in our lives, it will be hard. Everyone is affected, even those who are not yet infected. Let’s do our share and not exacerbate the situation.

 

Top image: Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 (Ubisoft)

The Latest News

Feature Story

Airsoft Guns and Gear Reviews