Mobile World Congress or MWC, which is the world's largest phone trade show, took the unprecedented step of cancelling the entire show set to happen between February 24 and 27 in Barcelona, Spain. The GSM Association (GSMA), which organizes MWC, has already released a statement about the show's cancellation due to concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. The trade show routinely attracts 100,000 visitors from across the world. Several companies, including LG, Amazon, Sony, and NVIDIA, have pulled out of the show ahead of GSMA's announcement citing concerns about the coronavirus. Coronavirus infections have affected over 42,000 people, with the total number of deaths at more than 1,000.
GSMA CEO John Hoffman said in a statement, "With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event. The Host City Parties respect and understand this decision. The GSMA and the Host City Parties will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions. Our sympathies at this time are with those affected in China, and all around the world."