Reimagining Construction and Renovation of Health Care Facilities During Emergence from a Pandemic

Abstract

The built environment has been integral to response to the global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In particular, engineering controls to mitigate risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and other newly emergent respiratory pathogens in the future will be important. Anticipating emergence from this pandemic, or at least adaptation given increasing administration of effective vaccines, and the safety of patients, personnel, and others in health care facilities remain the core goals. This article summarizes known risks and highlights prevention strategies for daily care as well as response to emergent infectious diseases and this parapandemic phase.

Keywords: Aspergillosis; COVID-19 pandemic; Construction; Health care design; Health care facilities; Renovation; Risk assessment; Waterborne and airborne pathogen.