Several innovation hubs, incubators and accelerators in Canada are closing their doors or enforcing a work-from-home policy due to the spread of COVID-19.
Ontario-based hubs such as Invest Ottawa, MaRS Discovery District, Communitech and One Eleven are among those that have restricted physical access to their spaces.
For example, Communitech instructed staff to work from home until April 6, has cancelled public tours through June 10 and suspended in-person events, workshops and group meet-ups.
“We are being, and will continue to be, proactive and aligned with emerging best practices in the community,” said Iain Klugman, Communitech CEO and president. “Our priority is to keep everyone safe and do everything possible to avoid adding to the burden of the province’s health-care workers.”
Toronto-based incubator OneEleven said its staff will work from home starting Friday, but the facility will remain open.
Innovate BC, the entrepreneurial government agency for British Columbia, recently sent out a statement saying it is encouraging staff to work from home when possible and that they will no longer be taking in-person meetings. Additionally, it cancelled or postponed travel as well as in-person activities and events.