The GSM Association’s MWC (Mobile World Congress) of 2020 has been cancelled this year among fears over the spreading of the potentially fatal coronavirus. Companies had been gradually pulling out of the show over the past couple weeks over concerns. Unfortunately, the MWC is going to be put on hold until next year once the spreading virus concerns have been accounted and taken care of. It was scheduled for February 24 – 27 in Barcelona before the cancellation.
What Coronavirus Concerns?
The current strain of coronavirus that has been infecting people all over the world has brought up a lot of cautionary movements. In Wuhan, China there have been thousands of outbreaks and now well over 1,000 deaths. Unfortunately, due to the spreading virus, there have been many travel advisories, restrictions and even countries going into a State of Emergency until the infections have been dealt with. The United States has already declared a few different cases from people who have recently travelled to the area within China. Quarantines were placed and the problem is still hurting China on a large scale.
GSM Association and the Mobile World Congress
In every business category, there are events where leaders in said field gather to promote, discuss and even promote partnership in order for mutual success. The GSMA’s event called the Mobile World Congress is the biggest international mobile phone event of the year. GSMA is a trade body that represents thousands of companies and businesses. Here was their statement about the cancellation.
“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. The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision. 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.”
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