Comic-Con canceled over coronavirus, plans 2021 return

(17 Apr 2020) COMIC-CON CANCELED OVER CORONAVIRUS, PLANS 2021 RETURN This year's San Diego Comic-Con has been canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions around large gatherings. Organizers said Friday (17 APRIL) that they are planning for the festival -- a key stop for Hollywood studios promoting blockbuster movies -- to return in July 2021. The annual gathering was scheduled to take place from July 23 through July 26 in and around the San Diego Convention Center. California Governor Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he was not optimistic about a return of "mass gatherings" for things such as sports events, concerts and fairs in 2020. "Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California have made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year," organizers said in a statement Friday. Comic-Con attracts over 135,000 people — often elaborately costumed — to the Gaslamp District every year for the comic book convention which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary. Social distancing would be difficult to manage at the convention which is infamous for its long lines and crowded rooms. The convention center is also currently being used as a temporary homeless shelter as a measure to help curb the spread of the virus. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...