The GMSA Board has issued a statement on the cancellation of MWC Barcelona. The event was scheduled to kick off on February 24, but the GSMA was forced to cancel its flagship event due to escalating concerns about the coronavirus.

In its statement, the Board extended its sympathies to those affected by the outbreak, and thanked both GSMA partners and employees for their understanding while trying to navigate the situation. The organizers took every health and safety precaution in the hopes that MWC would be able to proceed as scheduled, but eventually made the decision to cancel as more and more companies dropped out of the event.

The Board went on to reaffirm its commitment to the mobile industry, and is broader mission to advance mobile technology and promote international connectivity. The GSMA is hoping to bounce back in 2021, and is already looking forward with plans for next year’s MWC.

In the meantime, MWC Barcelona is not the only industry conference affected by the coronavirus. Reed Exhibitions has reduced the scope of the China Pavilion at next month’s ISC West show in Las Vegas, although the organizers have assured guests that the event itself will still be taking place. ISC West will run from March 17 to 20.