Ericsson Follows LG's Exit From MWC on Coronavirus Fears; ZTE Reaffirms Attendance

Ericsson followed LG, pulling out of MWC 2020 on coronavirus concerns Friday, citing its responsibility for the health and safety of employees, customers and other stakeholders. Demo and content created for the Barcelona event “will be showcased close to customers at local events, called ‘Ericsson Unboxed,'" it said. LG will hold separate events “in the near future” to announce its 2020 mobile products, said the company Wednesday. LG cited safety of its employees, partners and customers. Despite social media reports to the contrary, ZTE reaffirmed its commitment to attend the mobile industry’s Feb. 24-27 global event, saying employee and customer health is a priority. ZTE adopted prevention and control measures and safeguards in accordance with guidelines from China's health department and the World Health Organization, it said. ZTE will ensure all employees from mainland China, including non-Chinese nationals, have no symptoms two weeks before departure and arrival at the trade show, it said. All ZTE employees are required to undergo two weeks of “self-isolation” to ensure the health and safety of employees, it said. ZTE’s senior executives participating in high-level meetings in Barcelona will isolate themselves in Europe for at least two weeks before MWC, said the company, which will also ensure exhibit equipment is “disinfected daily.” Booth staff will be “all from countries outside China, and mainly from Europe,” it said.