arisia | Arisia and Wellness (2012 and beyond)

There has been some discussion of people contracting norovirus at Arisia 2012. After a phone call with the Boston Public Health Commission, we believe that there were several attendees with norovirus, but that the impact is not at all congruent with an epidemic or with the actions of Arisia volunteers being at fault. The BPHC praised our implementation of food heating and storage, in fact, given a lack of real kitchen space. The BPHC does not intend to follow up with any action at this time, due to the statistically low number of cases compared to the overall population of the convention.

Arisia intends to examine our policies for next year such that people who are ill are encouraged to stay at home rather than attend the convention and infect others. We will also reiterate our policies concerning handwashing, use of antibacterial hand sanitizer, and use of gloves for anyone touching food directly. We are doing our best to be responsive and responsible concerning the health of the Arisia community, and appreciate everyone supporting this effort.

It bears repeating that, in a population of 3200, there will be several people who are ill and contagious and unaware of these facts. We appreciate anyone who was ill and stayed away from the convention in order to not make others sick.