After biggest tech giants including Intel, Sony, Vivo and Amdocs decided to skip the MWC 2020 event, GSM Association (GSMA) that organises the show has now cancelled it over health concerns of coronavirus.
The novel coronavirus, which attacks the respiratory system, has created havoc globally. The infections have been confirmed in over 25 countries. Over 42,000 people have been found affected and over 1,000 people have died.
The GSMA earlier announced that it is taking strict disinfection measures on site and has recommended attendees to not shake hands and has even banned visitors coming from Wuhan, China, which is also the epicentre of the coronavirus. Since the virus outbreak, many major companies including Google have temporarily shut down their offices in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Facebook has also requested its employees to stop travelling to China and have asked them to work from home. Apple has also postponed its mass production for its upcoming products till second half of 2020.
‘With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event,’ said John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Limited, in a statement.
‘The GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions. Our sympathies at this time are with those affected in China, and all around the world,’ Hoffman added.
MWC 2020 was scheduled to happen from February 24 till February 27 in Barcelona, Spain. MWC acts as a big platform where thousands of companies gather for partnerships, deals, and exciting product launches. According to media reports, MWC has a huge economic impact of approx. 492 million euros, and also creates nearly 14,100 part-time jobs.
