LG withdraws from ISE due to coronavirus concerns
LG Electronics has announced that due to the coronavirus outbreak it has decided to withdraw from the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2020 event, which kicks off next week in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In a statement, the company said following the World Health Organisation's (WHO) declaration that the coronavirus outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern, it has decided to pull out from the event.
"LG regrets having to make this difficult decision but the safety of its employees and customers continues to be its number one priority," the company said.
"With the WHO recommending that individuals 'promote social distancing', LG management believes that the most responsible decision is to avoid participating in large public events until the situation stabilises."
The company added that any related meetings and discussions would be rescheduled to take place locally in "more private settings".
It comes days after LG announced it was pulling out of MWC due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
See also: Coronavirus deaths spike over 400, 11 confirmed US cases - Everything we know (CNET)
Despite the announcement by LG, the organiser of the world's largest mobile phone show confirmed MWC 2020 would still go ahead as planned later this month.
"The GSMA continues to monitor and assess the potential impact of the coronavirus on MWC Barcelona 2020. The GSMA confirms that there remains minimal impact on the event thus far," GSMA said.
GSMA said it has implemented "many measures" to help mitigate the spread of the virus, including putting in health measures such as a free 24-hour medical service for all attendees that will be operation from 12-29 February, providing on-site first aid facilities, and developing plans that are aligned with health authorities.
These measures adhere to advice from WHO and other health authorities, GSMA added.
During a press event on Wednesday, Barcelona first deputy mayor Jaume Collboni said that, as a preventive measure against the outbreak of coronavirus, there would be "permanent coordination" between GSMA and health authorities for the entire duration of MWC 2020.
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