Amazon and NVIDIA have just announced withdrawal from the Mobile World Congress 2020 scheduled in Barcelona between February 24 and February 27. This is due to the Coronavirus Outbreak that has plaguing China since the end of the last year. It represents a global risk if not controlled. Other giants in the tech segment are also contemplating the possibility of avoiding the event. MWC attracts over 100,000 tech fans from around the world every year. It’s one of the most important events for smartphones in the year.
In a report published on TechCrunch, an Amazon spokesperson revealed, “Amazon has decided to withdraw participation from MWC 2020 due to the global outbreak and rising concerns related to Coronavirus”. Other companies to have previously withdrawn from the event include Ericsson and LG.
NVIDIA also posted a brief summary during the weekend where the company explains its decision to skip the event this year. “NVIDIA has decided to forego MWC2020 keeping in mind the health risks around Coronavirus. Due to the unforeseen circumstances, the difficult decision was taken to ensure the safety of our colleagues, partners, and clients” the statement read.
Gizchina News of the week
More than 2,800 exhibitors will still be taking part of MWC 2020
The organizers, GSMA, recently came forward with a list of precautions that they have taken. That includes banning visitors from China’s Hubei province. The region is Coronavirus’ ground zero. Moreover, Chinese people who have an interest in attending MWC need to prove that they have been living outside China. For, at least, the last 14 years. GSMA states that “while a few major participants have withdrawn from the event, more than 2,800 exhibitors are still taking part”.
GSMA estimates point that between 5,000 and 6,000 Chinese nationals visit MWC every year. The organizers suggest participants avoid any form of physical contact with others. The hosts also plan to disinfect microphones and other shared electronic devices after every usage.
There are more than 40,000 confirmed cases and 908 deaths due to Coronavirus infection in China alone. The numbers may increase in the coming days.
