Mobile World Congress cancelled over coronavirus fears

The world’s largest mobile phone and technology showcase, the Mobile World Congress (MWC), has been cancelled over coronavirus concerns, organisers have confirmed.

The GSM Association (GSMA) said it had become “impossible” for the event to go ahead as planned in Barcelona. Facebook, LG, Nokia, Sony and Vodafone were among the high-profile exhibitors to have pulled out of the annual event, citing coronavirus fears.

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MWC was due to be held in Barcelona on 24-27 February. More than 100,000 people usually attend the annual event, about 6,000 of whom travel from China.

The news came as health minister, Salvador Illa, urged people to remain calm.

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