Pokemon Go developer Niantic has confirmed that the planned March 2020 Events have been cancelled in at least three countries so far that are in the midst of Coronavirus outbreaks. The countries are Japan, South Korea, and Italy, but more may follow as the Coronavirus aka COVID-19 spreads across the globe and has almost become a pandemic.
The reason these March 2020 events have been cancelled is because they are mostly new Raid Events every weekend that require groups of players to complete the Raid, which could potentially spread the Coronavirus further.
The March 2020 Events lineup announcement saw this official sidenote:
“In-game events for March may vary in the following areas until further notice. Players in these areas can stay tuned to our channels.
- Japan
- South Korea
- Italy”
Which was followed on March 1, 2020, by the first Raid Event’s cancellation:
“Nidorino and Gengar Raid Day has been canceled in Japan, South Korea, and Italy. Please stay tuned to our channels for updates.”
At a later date these countries will be able to catch up on these Legendary Raid Events.
The tweet makes it sound likely that more countries may follow later in March, as health organizations in countries globally continue to monitor the situation and recommend whether or not people should not go to school or work and stay at home to halt the spread until either the spread is contained or a cure is found.
Do you think it would be wise for Niantic to delay group events worldwide until the Coronavirus threat blows over?