MWC 2020 is a couple of weeks away. The Barcelona Show is one of the most popular meets where tech companies release devices that end up shaping mobile trends in that year. This time around, MWC will likely miss some participants, as well as travelers/journalists/executives who will not be allowed in thanks to the effects of Coronavirus.
The latest development in this line is thanks to the show’s organizers GSMA that has since released stringent safeguards about the grave concerns of the virus.
New restrictions for #MWC20 from GSMA. Travellers need to prove they have been outside China 14 days (and are not coming from Hubei), and self-certify they have not been in contact with anyone infected. Temperature screening to be implemented.
🤦♂️https://t.co/Gpg6xBc14H— Dino Flore (@dinoflore) February 9, 2020
According to John Hoffman, the CEO of GSMA, the following measures will be put in place:
- All travelers from the Hubai province will not be permitted access to the event*
- All travelers who have been in China will need to demonstrate proof they have been outside of China 14 days prior to the event (passport stamp, health certificate)
- Temperature screening will be implemented
- Attendees will need to self-certify they have not been in contact with anyone infected.
Traditionally, MWC hosts around 5000-6000 Chinese nationals. That number is likely going to decrease for the above reasons.
Companies such as ZTE and LG had previously reported that they would skip the show. However, ZTE has since changed that stand and will attend the show after initiating some preventive measures alongside Huawei.
At the moment, GSMA is implementing the following measures as it prepares the 24-27 February event:
- Increased cleaning and disinfection program across all high-volume touchpoints, e.g. catering areas, surfaces, handrails, WCs, entrances/exits, public touch-screens, etc. along with the use of correct cleaning/sanitizing materials and products
- Increased onsite medical support – doubled over last year
- Awareness campaign via online and onsite info-share and signage
- Availability of sanitizing and disinfection materials for public use
- Awareness and training to all staff on standard personal preventative measures, e.g. personal hygiene, frequency of use of sanitising/disinfection products, etc.
- Advice to exhibitors on implementing effective cleaning and disinfection of stands, offices along with guidance on personal hygiene measures and common preventive behaviour
- Public health guidelines and advice communication to Barcelona hotels, public and private transport, restaurants and catering outlets, retail, etc.
- Installing new signage onsite reminding attendees of hygiene recommendations
- Implementing a microphone disinfecting and change protocol for all speakers
- Communicating advice to all attendees to adopt a ‘no-handshake policy’
- A 24-hour telephone Security and Medical service for all attendees, operational from 12th to 29th February 2020. This number appears on the back of badge holders, in the event App and on signage around the venue.
You can find out more about the virus here. At the moment, more than 800 people have died from Coronavirus. Lastly, the full GSMA statement can be read here.
