MUMBAI | BENGALURU | NEW DELHI: Following the outbreak of Corona virus in China, Indian providers of co-working spaces that usually attract travellers and freelancers as their key clienteles have started implementing preventive measures at their centres across the country.
Indian arm of WeWork, which has closed around 100 of its co-working buildings in China over the Corona virus concerns, has issued advisory to its members urging them to ensure those returning from affected areas overseas undergo medical screening. The company is also encouraging such members to work from home for 14 days.
Several flexible workspace providers in India including Awfis, SmartWorks and Hong Kong-headquartered Garage Societies have also started taking initiatives like these and have advised their members accordingly.
"At WeWork, our members' and employees' health, safety and experience is our top priority. We are monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak closely and have implemented precautionary measures across all our Asia locations," said a WeWork India spokesperson.
Since its outbreak, Corona virus has claimed 1,367 lives and confirmed 59,805 cases in China so far. Rest of world has so far recorded 524 confirmed cases and 2 deaths.
"The impact of Coronavirus in India is likely to be short-lived providing the virus remains relatively contained...In the long-term, the outbreak could encourage more occupiers and landlords to place greater emphasis on employee well-being and sustainability," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.
All the flexible workspace providers, ET spoke to, maintained that they are and will adhere to guidance from the government and local health authorities regarding the proper prevention and management of this issue on an ongoing basis.
Apart from issuing advisory to their members, these companies are also monitoring the situation closely to maintain an infection-free environment at their centres by deploying preventive measures. "All our workspaces have been disinfected thoroughly and this process will continue every week to maintain utmost hygiene standards. Full-size sanitizer bottles have been placed almost at every corner...Our Community Desk is always open in case anyone wants any support or help from our end," said Prashant Garg, Country Manager, Garage Society.
February 14, 2020
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