The list is growing. Amazon has joined Ericsson, LG and NVIDIA in pulling out from MWC Barcelona. Held from February 24 to 27, the leading mobile event is expected to see fewer participants this year because of the novel coronavirus situation.
Given public health risks around the coronavirus, ensuring the safety of our colleagues, partners and customers is our highest concern, according to a NVIDIA media statement.
Organiser GSMA noted that the coronavirus has created disruption, in particular for exhibitors and attendees from around the world, including the 5,000 to 6,000 (five- to six-percent) who have historically attended from China.
“While GSMA confirm some large exhibitors have decided not to come to the show this year, with others still contemplating next steps, we remain more than 2,800 exhibitors strong,” said the GSMA statement.
Telecom giants Huawei and ZTE are among the China exhibitors that will still be participating but with preventive measures in place.
All travellers from Hubei will not be allowed to access the event. Those who have travelled to China will need to demonstrate proof they have been outside of China 14 days prior to the event.
Temperature screening will be implemented at the venue and attendees will need to self-certify they have not been in contact with anyone infected.
UPDATE: Intel, NTT Docomo, Sony, and Vivo also cancels MWC participation
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