© Provided by Boston Herald BOSTON, MA- FEBRUARY 27, 2020: An unidentified woman is seen playing a video game during the PAX East 2020 gaming showcase at the BCEC on February 27, 2020 (Staff Photo By Faith Ninivaggi/ Boston Herald/ Media News Group)

As coronavirus spreads around the globe, thousands of gamer enthusiasts from across the world made their annual trek to Boston for the PAX East convention on Thursday in the wake of Sony pulling out because of virus concerns.

Many PAX East attendees at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the Seaport said they were treating this year just like any other, while several people wore a variety of protective masks and said they were taking “every precaution just in case.”

“Even if you don’t play games with viruses on them, you should still download virus protection,” said Katy Wright, who was wearing a blue mask.

“I’m not really concerned, but I still wanted to take every precaution just in case,” added the 22-year-old from Attleboro.

A week ago, Sony Interactive Entertainment dropped out of PAX East over coronavirus concerns. The highly contagious disease that started in China has now infected more than 82,000 people worldwide, and has recently spiked in several countries.

“We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily,” Sony said last week. “We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.”

But many at the convention on Thursday said they were confused by Sony pulling out, noting that coronavirus has not spread in the U.S. like in other countries, and Massachusetts is a low-risk area.

“It’s perfectly fine here,” said Nick Fullam, 24, of Middletown, Conn. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Massachusetts has had one case of coronavirus, a Chinese student at UMass Boston who continues to be quarantined and is recovering at home.

More than 600 people in the Bay State have self-quarantined in their homes after traveling to China. More than 200 people continue to stay in their homes and are being monitored by state health officials, while the rest have already completed their monitoring and have been released with no symptoms.

PAX East set up several hand sanitizer stations around the packed venue, where people in close quarters stood in long lines and touched gaming controllers.

The event has “enhanced cleaning and sanitization,” PAX organizers wrote.

Kiersta Green, 21, of Pittsburgh, outfitted as Octane from Apex Legends, said she was excited to be back for PAX East.

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“I’m not really concerned about it at all,” she said of coronavirus. “It’s not a big deal.”

William Coconato, 24, of Boston, was wearing a mask. He said he was wearing it to protect from the common cold and flu.

“We’re right in the middle of flu season,” he said. “They’re definitely doing a good job here with hand sanitizer everywhere.”

The PAX East convention continues all weekend in the Seaport.