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GSMA: MWC currently going ahead as planned despite coronavirus

Jasper Hart
January 30, 2020

‘No registration impacts thus far’

The GSMA has said it is still committed to holding the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) this year in Barcelona as planned, despite the potential impact of the coronavirus that originated in China.

Thus far, there have been no registration impacts on the event due to the virus, according to a statement issued by the industry body. At the time of writing, the virus has killed 170 people worldwide, with its country of origin China having 7,711 confirmed cases.

The GSMA added that it would adhere to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations, as well as those of Spanish health officials and police.

It has also committed to providing additional medical personnel on-site, working with the Fira de Barcelona venue to provide sufficient sanitary products for attendees.

Last year, MWC attracted more than 109,000 attendees, and Chinese companies such as Huawei, ZTE and Xiaomi had major presences there.

The GSMA did not provide any updates on whether or not its MWC 2020 events in Shanghai and Los Angeles would take place later in the year.

The WHO’s most up-to-date international travel advice can be found here and its latest press release can be found here.

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