REHVA COVID-19 guidance document, March 17, 2020
(updates will follow as necessary)
How to operate and use building services in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) virus (SARS-CoV-2) in workplaces
Introduction
In this document REHVA summarizes advice on the operation and use of building services in areas with a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 depending on HVAC or plumbing systems related factors. Please read the advice below as interim guidance; the document may be complemented with new evidence and information when it becomes available.
The suggestions below are meant as an addition to the general guidance for employers and building owners that is presented in the WHO document ‘Getting workplaces ready for COVID-19’. The text below is intended primarily for HVAC professionals and facility managers, but may be useful for e.g. occupational and public health specialists.
In the following the building related precautions are covered and some common overreactions are explained. The scope is limited to commercial and public buildings (e.g. offices, schools, shopping areas, sport premisies etc) where only occasional occupancy of infected persons is expected; hospital and healthcare facilities (usually with a larger concentration of infected people) are excluded.
Disclaimer:
This REHVA document is based on best available evidence and knowledge, but in many aspects’ corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) information is so limited or not existing that previous SARS-CoV-1 evidence1 has been utilized for best practice recommendations. REHVA excludes any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental damages or any other damages that would result from, or be connected with the use of the information presented in this document.