Chinese Companies Flock to MWC Amid Wuhan Pneumonia Concerns... Organizers Say "No Schedule Changes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] As concerns over the novel coronavirus infection originating from China (Wuhan Pneumonia) spread worldwide, the world's largest mobile exhibition 'MWC 2020' scheduled to be held next month in Barcelona, Spain, is also on high alert. Due to the nature of the exhibition attracting over 100,000 visitors, the virus can spread more easily, and many Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE have also announced their attendance.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which organizes MWC, announced on the 28th (local time), "MWC 2020 is scheduled to be held from February 24 to 27 as originally planned in the Barcelona area of Spain," adding, "There will be no change in schedule." GSMA emphasized, "We are monitoring and assessing the impact and severity of the novel coronavirus," and stated, "We plan to strictly follow the recommendations and operational guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chinese government, Spanish health authorities, and police." This is a measure taken in response to the rapid increase in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in mainland China and more than 70 cases confirmed worldwide.

As concerns grew that the novel coronavirus could disrupt the MWC event, GSMA took measures such as increasing the number of medical staff on-site during the exhibition period. Since many booths are preparing content that incorporates new technologies like virtual and augmented reality for visitors to directly touch and experience, the placement of hygiene products throughout the venue will also be increased. A GSMA spokesperson said, "If companies that planned to attend cannot come to Barcelona due to local circumstances, we will provide support."

It is estimated that over 100,000 visitors come to Barcelona annually to attend MWC. Especially this year, Chinese companies that did not participate in CES held earlier in the United States have also announced their attendance at MWC. Representative participating companies include China Mobile, Huawei, ZTE, and Xiaomi.

Global companies are also closely monitoring the situation. Ericsson stated in a press release that it is watching the situation in China. Domestic companies such as SK Telecom and KT have also notified overseas travelers of policies such as working from home for two weeks of quarantine if necessary.

This is not the first time that MWC, which is like a festival for the global wireless communication industry, has been tense due to a virus. In the case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the outbreak occurred in early February, just before MWC started in 2003.

Meanwhile, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) announced that as of midnight on the 29th, there are 5,974 confirmed cases of 'Wuhan Pneumonia' and 132 deaths across 31 provinces nationwide. This is an increase of 1,459 confirmed cases and 26 deaths compared to the previous day. The rate of increase in confirmed cases in mainland China surpasses that of SARS.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.