Break out the ninja and Spider-Man cosplay — because the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention will require all attendees to wear masks in an effort to stifle the spread of COVID-19.
Convention organizers announced the policy on their website and social media Thursday evening.
Any face covering must “fit properly and snugly, secure under your chin, and fully cover your nose and mouth,” according to the policy. Face coverings that are made of mesh, contain holes or exhalation valves, are significantly damaged, or can’t be secured under the chin are prohibited. Also prohibited are neck gaiters and costume masks without a snug mask underneath.
Everyone attending FanX during its run — Sept. 16 to 18 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City — must wear an approved mask, regardless of their vaccination status. That includes cosplayers, exhibitors, guests, artists and staff. The only time masks can be removed is when actively eating or drinking.
In its announcement, FanX said it reserves the right to have anyone removed for failing to wear an appropriate face mask.
The convention has grown into one of Utah’s largest pop culture events, usually attracting some 100,000 people to the Salt Palace to see movie and TV stars, talk about their favorite fandoms, and buy pop culture merchandise from vendors. Last year’s convention was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and concern over the surging delta variant is expected to keep attendance from reaching the record levels set in past years.
