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COVID-19 and Beyond: Getting to a New Normal
Citation:
Sayles, G., S. Ryan, W. Calfee, V. Gomez-Alvarez, E. Varughese, K. Ratliff, AND P. White. COVID-19 and Beyond: Getting to a New Normal. NACCHO Preparedness Summit, NA, Virtual, April 13 - 15, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of the CoVID-19 pandemic, is by now a highly studied pathogen. Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 requires approaches that have not been fully investigated. EPA has a robust set of capabilities to deal with environmental challenges. The research described in this presentation provides an overview of efforts related to understanding the best cleaning approaches for common areas, how to monitor water quality and water management for buildings that have been unoccupied, and how effective different mitigation strategies might be for airborne pathogens. This research will help states, tribes, local, and territorial governments, including public health agencies, guide homeowners, business owners, and workplace managers to reduce the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Description:
As more workplaces, schools, and other mass gathering areas begin to reopen, they will need to think about the following three components of their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic: best cleaning approaches for common areas, monitoring water quality and water management plans in buildings that remained unoccupied for many months, and treating recirculating air and reconfiguring spaces to reduce exposure. This session will discuss best practices for identifying and implementing policies and procedures that will ensure these priority areas are met and maintained throughout the pandemic.