MADRID, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Spanish health officials said on
Wednesday there was no reason to cancel the Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona over coronavirus fears, despite major
companies pulling out of the event.
Alba Verges, the official in charge of health in the
regional government, told a news conference, "There's no reason
to cancel any event in Barcelona, like Mobile World Congress."
National Health Minister Salvador Illa said the government's
goal was protecting people's health, but that it would take
additional measures if necessary.
The assurance came after behind-the-scenes pressure on
Spanish authorities to declare that holding the event in
Barcelona would pose a public health risk, which could
potentially in turn trigger a payout on any event insurance
taken out by the organisers.
(Reporting by Jessica Jones
Editing by Isla Binnie)