That said, some of the standing rules would be applicable. The rule against 20/21st century uniforms (which is worded specifically to include non-military/non-police uniforms like paramedics) would be applicable anyone dressing up like CDC staff, for instance. 

Is a 12ft diameter, climate controlled bubble with its own air filtration and supply system too much?

I like going back to Page 1 of this thread and seeing how many people were so sure 2 months ago that GenCon would definitely not be canceled....

Then ComicCon gets canceled for late July...

Then GenCon postpones event registration day...

There is absolutely no way a large gathering event is going to be a smart idea in just 3 months away....I wish GenCon authorities would just stop dragging this out. 

Getting back to the plague doctor question, I advise against it.  I know people who have lost parents and it could still be an open wound for people who have been through similar circumstances. You wouldn't like it if someone reminded you of something profoundly painful just for fun.  It is best to show the same consideration to others.

Come on, man.  I just reread the whole first page.  I don't see a single person there saying Gen Con would definitely not be cancelled.  

Third post on the first page?  

Lol.  That doesn't say that person DEFINITELY thinks Gen Con is not being canceled.  They are just replying to a question and saying it isn't canceled at this point. Like they said, read the first post....  That's the best you've got?!

And you were commenting on "how many people were so sure 2 months ago".  So HOW MANY is it?  Zero?

You seem to have it in your head that people were sure.  But that's just your head.  When you actually read it, what people were actually saying is stuff like "it's February...too early to know".

I get it -- you want to say 'I told you so'.  But you apparently never read what they were saying thoroughly. 

There is the state of Indiana, city of Indianapolis, GenCon and many other entities that are in this together.

Somehow I see this as Mike's new avatar...

[img]https://venturebeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/ban-hammer.jpg?w=1200&strip=all[/img]

Folks, Gencon is 3 months away.  Every week new treatments and data is guiding the decision makers as to what to do. So let us stop all this “ you gotta cancel Gencon proclamations “.  Flights and hotels can be cancelled over a month from now.  Plenty of time to see if we can have a safe Gencon with very minimal risks. I am 71 years old, in great health and will take all precautions if Gencon is held. There is as much traffic in our grocery and Walmart stores where I live in Florida approaching a Gencon crowd. With maybe a fourth wearing masks.  It has been like this for over a month now and our cases per population tested keeps going down.  So let’s see what progress is made as to be safe in a convention setting.

I don't think that a plague doctor costume is odd or even in poor taste .
 
Of course the civil authorities might look at it differently. There was a person wandering around an English town dressed as one earlier in the week .
as the police put it -no offence had been committed ,BUT officers were " keen to trace the individual in order to provide words of advice about the implications of his actions on the local community " 

I will say, the guy walking around the re-opened beaches in Florida dressed as the Grim Reaper is a pretty darkly humorous cosplay, though I don't think the underlying message is one that will translate to GenCon.

https://loudwire.com/lawyer-grim-reaper-protest-florida-beach-reopening/

Related, I've heard it suggested that (if proper filters are installed) an inflatable costume would make pretty good protection, since it's basically the same underlying hardware/principle as a personal overpressure suit. Of course, it wouldn't do shit to protect anyone else if the wearer is infected; their own, diseased air would get blown unfiltered out any small tears or rough seams in the getup if they weren't wearing a cloth mask underneath.

With tens of thousands of people at the con, there will be people who have lost loved ones in the pandemic.  I cannot help but think how terrible it would be for someone in that demographic to see a “germ inspired” cosplay and they breakdown in tears.  Everyone deserves to have a safe and enjoyable con.  
 

there is already comedy about covid on the late night talk shows.  and on facebook memes.  not sure why gencon cosplay would be held to a different standard.  it is easy to find something to be offended about if that is your goal.

it just seems like we do so much to create a pleasant environment for con attendees in many other ways - this seems like a small & sensible step to take.

But I also get the slippery slope argument that you have to ban any virus or plague related t shirts, etc....  

I suppose I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision.
 

Everyone makes their own choices. Guessing what someone else may do or not do is a guess