The GSMA has confirmed that the Mobile World Congress (MWC) which is scheduled to hold in Barcelona will continue as planned despite the threat of the Novel Coronavirus.
Nearly 6000 confirmed cases have been reported most of whom are in and around China where there are 132 deaths already. 16 other countries have confirmed traces of the virus.
Owing to this premise, there are concerns that the MWC which is one of the biggest tech events of the year, attracting a lot of companies from Asia and around the world could become the perfect ground Z for an outbreak of global proportions if adequate care is not taken.
Going by a Techradar report:
The GSMA has now said it will follow the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Chinese government, and Spanish authorities, while it will provide additional medical support and sanitising products throughout the venue. Exhibitors who may not be able to travel to Barcelona as a result of the outbreak will also be provided with support.
“The GSMA confirms that there have been no registration impacts on MWC Barcelona thus far,” said the organisation. “We strongly urge exhibitors and attendees to implement appropriate guidelines and protocols as suggested by the WHO and other health authorities to contain and mitigate against any further spread of the virus.
The Chinese government has taken steps to limit the spread of the virus while the government of nations has begun to withdraw its citizens from the Wuhan and Hubei province of Chinese, which are actual ground zero for the virus. The U.K government, in particular, has advised against travels to China unless absolutely expedient. British Airways to China remain grounded.
MWC begins on 24 February and ends on 27 February – you can read all about what we’re expecting to see at the show in our MWC 2020 hub.