A significant number of employees who work in office towers may be reluctant to return to work for fear of contracting the coronavirus in elevators.
That could result in hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of office real estate continuing to go largely unoccupied. Cities and employers have taken steps to reduce risk, but they may not be enough.
For instance, New York City’s Department of Buildings’ COVID-19 task force has slashed in half the maximum capacity of elevators it oversees. But, previous maximum capacity was so high that the new rule is unlikely to provide comfort for users.
The risk of COVID-19 transmission in elevators is unsettled, but the risk may actually be low, experts say. Most elevators are well ventilated, and the short periods that people occupy the enclosed spaces translates into low risk. Wearing masks, not pressing buttons with bare fingers, and facing to the walls would further reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19 in an elevator.
Related Stories
Contractors | Apr 29, 2016
OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus
Construction industry workers considered at high risk.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016
New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use
ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016
Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems
Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings
Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system
Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.
Wood | Apr 22, 2016
Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available
American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2016
OSHA updates eye and face protection standards in final rule
Becomes effective April 26.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.