And moving into the winter...

They don't look socially distanced.

From an email from the American Economic Association:

Given recent events, continued uncertainties, current meeting/travel restrictions related to the potential spread of COVID-19, and the rising number of cases, we regret to announce that the Association's leadership has made the difficult decision not to hold the 2021 ASSA Annual Meeting in person. The safety risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible to plan, prepare for, and hold an in-person event as expected.

While not holding an in-person meeting will diminish the reunions, receptions, and other networking opportunities that occur in a face to face setting, the AEA is excited to announce that preparations are underway for a VIRTUAL 2021 AEA/ASSA Annual Meeting. Session and paper submissions have been strong and we are currently curating a program that will be both interesting and stimulating – especially in the times through which we are living. The virtual meeting will be held on January 3 – 5, 2021 as planned and will include the usual offering of over 500 scientific sessions. Registration will open in September and the registration fee will be set to cover the costs of holding the virtual meeting...

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Note: It seems likely that other associations in other disciplines with winter conferences will be doing the same. In fact, the conference above involves several different associations that meet in coordination.

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And a thought for the fall:

"The college campus has emerged as the latest setting for the confusion, fear, and politics of the US coronavirus outbreak. Filled with close living in dorms, young people who enjoy partying, and older at-risk staff, colleges pose a risk comparable to past disease outbreaks on cruise ships and in prisons..."


https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/danvergano/coronavirus-college-campus-dorms-parties-classrooms