Amazon withdraws from MWC amid Coronavirus concern

Amazon has joined a host of big names to formally withdraw from Mobile World Congress as Coronavirus concerns continue to mount within the business community.

Scheduled to take place at the end of this month in Barcelona the global gathering draws delegates from around the world to view the latest technologies and hardware on the leading edge of the mobile sector, making it a hotbed for news but also potential infection.

Confirming its no-show an Amazon spokesperson said: “Due to the outbreak and continued concerns about novel Coronavirus, Amazon will withdraw from exhibiting and participating in Mobile World Congress 2020, scheduled for Feb. 24-27 in Barcelona, Spain.”

Amazon’s cancellation follows similar moves by the likes of LG, Nvidia and Ericsson who have all previously canceled or dramatically scaled back their presence.

That leaves MWC as a shadow of its normal self although it will still go ahead with the likes of Samsung in attendance, albeit with a greatly reduced number of delegates.

Over the weekend the total number of Coronavirus deaths jumped to 908, although the number of new infections shows signs of peaking with 40,171 declared.