Sony, Amazon, Ericsson & Other Big Tech Companies Cancel Mobile World Congress Event Fearing Coronavirus Infection
Unfortunately, half of the diagnosis tested positive for Coronavirus was as a result of pre-exposure in hospitals and quarantine areas. Doctors in parts of China are now being blamed for using big names such as Nosocomial transmission (Caught in hospital) to cover reality and the situation on the ground. Among other complaints are numbers released by government officials, said to hoodwink the international community. The fast-spreading disease has also affected medical staff in various facilities with the latest news confirming the death of Coronavirus whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang who died from the disease.
The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. How easily this virus is contacted has sent chills across continents and is now coming in the way of innovation, manufacturing, supply and even travel.
Coronavirus Setback
Recently hit is the Mobile World Congress to be held in Barcelona from the 24th to the 27th of February owing to an ongoing withdrawal of major companies. Sony, Amazon, LG Electronics, Ericsson and US chip company NVIDIA will not be attending. The event that hosts over 100,000 people thus far it expects 5000-6000 attendees, and an approximate of 2800 exhibitors. The major drop in attendees has been contributed to by travel bans both in Mainland China and foreign countries.
Companies not attending have cited employees’ safety and travel advice from authorities. The event organizer GSMA, however, insists that it has put forth measures to reassure attendees’ and exhibitors’ health and safety. Some of these measures will be a ‘no handshake rule’ and microphones used by individuals during the sessions will be disinfected and changed.
In a statement, Ericsson said, “Ericsson has closely monitored the development and adhered to recommendations from relevant national authorities and international bodies, such as the WHO. After an extensive internal risk assessment, Ericsson has decided to take further precautionary measures by withdrawing from MWC Barcelona 2020.”
On Sunday, Amazon said, “Due to the outbreak and continued concerns about the new coronavirus, Amazon will withdraw from exhibiting and participating in Mobile World Congress 2020,”
Most recent was the Sony withdrawal through a statement, “Sony has been closely monitoring the evolving situation following the novel coronavirus outbreak, which was declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization on January 30th, 2020. We have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from exhibiting and participating at MWC 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.”
Kia Motors, on the other hand, has suspended nearly all production lines in three factories in South Korea due to a lack of supplies from China. This is due to the closure of plants in China following the widespread of the Coronavirus. “We are trying to secure supplies from some factories that are operating in China, South Korea and in southeast Asia” stated an official.
Some of the industries expected to feel the heat if not already are the beauty, Liquor, clothing, gadget and entertainment franchises.
