Carmakers are monitoring the development of the coronavirus outbreak in Europe amid concerns that a key motor show in Geneva could be affected.
The spread of the disease has forced the cancellation of the Mobile World Congress, a tech trade fair in Barcelona that had been expected to host more than 100,000 delegates from about 200 countries.
Geneva is preparing to welcome 600,000 visitors to its auto show on 5 to 15 March. The Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler, Audi, and Renault said they still planned to attend, as did the UK’s Aston Martin and Bentley.
The World Health Organization is recommending that people take simple precautions to reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus, for which there is no specific cure or vaccine.
The UN agency advises people to:
- Frequently wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap
- Cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
- Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers
- Advice about face masks varies. Wearing them while out and about may offer some protection against both spreading and catching the virus via coughs and sneezes, but it is not a cast-iron guarantee of protection
Many countries are now enforcing or recommending curfews or lockdowns. Check with your local authorities for up-to-date information about the situation in your area.
In the UK, NHS advice is that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days.
If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.
The show is an important event in the European automotive calendar that lures executives and car fans from across the continent to see the latest models and new technologies.
A spokeswoman for the show said “so far it will be running as usual in 2020”, adding that less than 1% of visitors were from outside Europe.
Switzerland has not yet reported a single case of coronavirus and there are no restrictions on travel to the country.
The show’s organisers will undertake extra cleaning and disinfection, focused on catering areas, toilets and handrails. There will also be an awareness campaign aimed at staff and visitors on how to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Motor shows in China, the centre of the outbreak, are also under threat. Autocar magazine reported that the Beijing motor show, which is expecting 800,000 visitors in April, could be postponed.
