Earlier we heard that LG would not be attending Mobile World Congress due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, and now ZTE has also revealed that they are pulling out of the event.
Mobile World Congress (MWC) takes place in Barcelona, Spain later this month, and ZTE has now announced that they will not be attending. This decision follows a similar move by LG, highlighting the growing concerns among major tech companies regarding the health and safety of their employees amidst the coronavirus outbreak.
Impact on Mobile World Congress
The absence of major companies like LG and ZTE from MWC is significant. These companies often use the event as a platform to showcase their latest innovations and products. For instance, ZTE was expected to unveil new smartphones and other cutting-edge technology. Their withdrawal means that attendees will miss out on firsthand experiences with these new devices.
It makes sense for these companies to not attend the event, as it could put their employees at risk with unnecessary travel when there is a virus outbreak in China. The coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has led to widespread travel restrictions and heightened health precautions globally. By choosing not to attend, companies like ZTE and LG are prioritizing the well-being of their staff and adhering to global health advisories.
GSMA’s Response and Safety Measures
MWC is still scheduled to go ahead between the 24th and 27th of February, and the GSMA, the organization behind MWC, has issued a statement about the virus and its plans to make the event as safe as possible for attendees. The GSMA has outlined several measures to ensure safety, including increased cleaning and disinfection protocols across high-traffic areas, availability of sanitizing and disinfection materials, and awareness campaigns on personal hygiene.
Additionally, the GSMA is working closely with health authorities and other relevant organizations to monitor the situation and implement any necessary changes to their safety protocols. They have also advised attendees to follow health guidelines, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with individuals who are unwell.
Despite these measures, the absence of key players like ZTE and LG could impact the overall atmosphere and attendance at MWC. Other companies may also reconsider their participation as the situation evolves, potentially leading to a scaled-down event.
The decision by ZTE and LG to withdraw from MWC reflects a broader trend of companies reassessing their participation in large-scale events due to health concerns. For example, other major tech events, such as the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and Facebook’s F8, have also faced cancellations or significant changes in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The withdrawal of ZTE and LG from Mobile World Congress underscores the serious impact of the coronavirus outbreak on global events and industries. While the GSMA is taking extensive measures to ensure the safety of MWC attendees, the situation remains fluid, and further changes may occur as health authorities continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak.
For more detailed information on the GSMA’s plans and safety measures, you can visit their official statement at the link below.
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