KEY POINTS

  • Netflix cancels its SXSW 2020 participation 
  • Due to growing coronavirus concerns, Apple also pulled out of the Austin-based conference
  • SXSW 2020 is scheduled from March 13

Apple and Netflix join other tech giants to pull out of SXSW 2020 amid coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Companies continue to enforce measures to control the impact of coronavirus on their businesses.

According to a Variety report, Netflix is the latest to cancel its participation including a panel for #BlackExcellence and five film screenings. The streaming service has canceled four documentaries – “L.A. Originals,” “A Secret Love,” "Have A Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics,” and “Mucho Mucho Amor" -- and a feature film called “Uncorked.”

SXSW 2020 is scheduled March 13-22 in Texas, where 11 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded.

Variety also confirmed the cancellation of Apple from this year’s SXSW because of the ongoing coronavirus fears. Apple has followed the footsteps of Twitter, Facebook and others to withdraw its participation from the upcoming Austin-based event. Apple is yet to officially comment on this new development.

In this year’s SXSW, Apple was set to premiere three new originals on Apple TV Plus – “Beastie Boys Story,” showcasing band members Adam Horovitz and Mike Diamond, a docuseries titled “Home” that shows some of the most innovative homes, and “Central Park,” which is an animated musical series.

Meanwhile, there is a petition circulating on Change.org appealing to cancel SXSW 2020 due to coronavirus outbreak with over 45,000 signatures. Elsewhere, there is a counter-petition on the website to keep SXSW on and stop the panic related to the outbreak.

On March 2, SXSW released a statement. “Regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: SXSW is working closely on a daily basis with local, state, and federal agencies to plan for a safe event. As a result of this dialogue and the recommendations of Austin Public Health, we are proceeding with the 2020 event with the health and safety of our attendees, staff, and volunteers as our top priority.” As of now, the event is scheduled to happen with various attendees.

Coronavirus outbreak has claimed 3,199 lives globally with over 93,000 confirmed cases as companies ask the employees to work from home.

Apple is one of many American businesses relying on China to supply parts and products, but manufacturers fear those supply chains could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak
Apple is one of many American businesses relying on China to supply parts and products, but manufacturers fear those supply chains could be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak AFP / NICOLAS ASFOURI
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