110,000 people are expected at the Mobile World Congress 2020 (Photo: GSMA)

The Mobile World Congress has lost two major exhibitors for this year at short notice: LG and Ericsson will not be attending for security reasons. It is said that both companies consider the situation too uncertain in view of the coronavirus epidemic.

First, the Korean company LG has announced that it will not participate in the MWC2020. Now Ericsson has also dropped out. The mobile World Congress 2020 thus loses two of its major exhibitors. Other exhibitors are currently still thinking about further steps, the organizer GSMA admits in a recently published statement.

“The GSMA is seeking to reassure attendees and exhibitors that their health and safety are our paramount concern”, the statement says. Together with health authorities, the organizer has presented a package of safety measures to ensure that the trade fair, which brings together 110,000 communications experts from all over the world, does not become a reloading point for the dreaded pathogen:

Travelers from Hubei province will be denied access to the event.
All travelers who have been in China must prove that their stay in China was more than 14 days ago.
Temperature screenings will be conducted.
Participants must confirm that they have not come into contact with infected persons.
The organizer advises visitors and exhibitors to adopt a “no handshake policy”. In addition, on-site cleaning and disinfection measures will be expanded and medical support doubled compared to last year. Disinfection materials for public use will be available and advertised accordingly. Exhibitors will also be advised on hygiene measures and the use of microphones will be adapted. A medical telephone hotline will be available around the clock from 12 to 29 February.

“We are contending with a constantly evolving situation, that will require fast adaptability”, the organizer announced. The situation will be monitored further and measures will be adapted if necessary.