Convene And The Wing To Close Locations Due To Coronavirus

Topline: Shared corporate space providers Convene and The Wing are shutting down multiple locations for at least two weeks due to the global coronavirus outbreak.

• Convene, which leases office and event space, is closing more than half of its locations after learning of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at its flagship 530 Fifth Avenue.
• Wing, which provides shared work spaces designed for women, will close all 11 locations starting Saturday, even though it has had no reported cases of COVID-19 among Wing members or employees.
• In a statement the decision was described as “an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Key background: Both shutdowns are set to last at least until April 1, a contrast to WeWork, which competes with both in office spaces, which outside of China has closed only a few locations for a limited time.

Most of the 17 Convene locations closing are its meeting and event spaces. The 116,000 square-foot flagship is the only Convene office that will not be operating, but the length of the shutdown is significant. Convene will also prorate March rent and is guaranteeing 36 hours per week of pay for all full-time hourly employees and two weeks of pay for part-time employees. “This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we may have to take additional action should circumstances change,” added a Convene spokesperson in a statement emailed to Forbes.

The Wing will pay hourly employees for their scheduled shifts and is offering paid sick leave. Wing Membership fees will be suspended.