The GSMA has cancelled the 2020 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which was scheduled for 24-28 February, because of global concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

Mobile World Congress or MWC is the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry and often showcases the latest technologies and innovations from major manufacturers and providers. This year’s event was due to open in 10 days time but with Facebook and other major companies pulling out amid growing fears over the COVID-19 outbreak the organizers have said it has become ‘impossible for the GSMA to hold the event’.

The announcement comes roughly two weeks ahead of the opening of the CP+ 2020 Camera & Photo imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan, which is due to open on 27 February. So far that even is still scheduled to take place. We’ll post an update if the situation changes.