The COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life as we know it and blurred the lines between personal, communal, and professional responsibility. Because a global pandemic of this magnitude is unprecedented in recent history, the situation raises a lot of questions about individual rights, civic duty, and what it means to live in community.
While there are certain recommendations and regulations in place designed to slow the spread of COVID-19, many businesses and industries are going above and beyond the government mandates. Some companies are worried about additional restrictions deterring customers and hurting workplace productivity, while others see their safety precautions as a perk.
Commercial real estate is one example. According to law firm Pullman & Comley, lease provisions that address the reduction of disease transmission are a way for commercial landlords to distinguish their properties and attract tenants.
Not only do commercial buildings contain many “high-touch” surface areas, but they often employ shared HVAC systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently acknowledged that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be spread through airborne transmission—in addition to large respiratory droplets and contact.
Pullman & Comley note that proactive landlords can amend their leases to assure their buildings won’t present additional risk to tenants and employees. This can help both attract and retain tenants.
According to CDC recommendations for office buildings, high-touch surfaces should be sanitized several times each day and businesses should increase the circulation of outdoor air by opening windows and doors, and using fans. Ventilation systems and HVAC systems should also be checked to ensure they are working properly and meet the current standards.
This means that landlords who offer HVAC service only during business hours to tenants must rethink their policies if they want to retain tenants and attract new ones. While this may incur additional costs in the short term, it is an important long-term investment that could soon become the industry norm.
Life Balance Technologies helps hospitals and other companies easily analyze air quality conditions and effectively manage their HVAC systems. By streamlining the process for compliance, auditing, and reporting, we help reduce costs and save lives.
