The pandemic doesn't seem to end anytime soon. Many countries are now grappling with the prospect of a second coronavirus wave. The U.K. may be heading for a second lockdown. The province of Quebec in Canada has already introduced a second lockdown spanning 28 days from September 29.

While many countries have already decided or opened public and commercial spaces, it's not the same as before. 

Let's take a look at the rules and guidelines for opening buildings in different countries. As you will see, the basic principles are the same for all governments, focusing on limiting and preventing the transmission of COVID. 

Let's start with the USA.

North America

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already released guidelines for opening public and commercial buildings. The most important approach is to properly check the facility to ensure it's safe for the occupants. 

CDC advises building owners to focus on three main areas-

Checking for mold growth: Mold can affect people with compromised immunity or respiratory diseases. Ensuring the building is free from mold growth is necessary to create a safe environment. 

Pest control: Pests and rodents can damage property and create unhealthy circumstances. So, driving them out before you open your building is crucial.

Hazards of stagnant water systems: Stagnant water in your plumbing systems can encourage bacteria's growth and lead to Legionnaires' disease. Use a water management program to deal with the issue. 

Additionally, property managers or employers should ensure occupants practice social distancing. 

Europe

Like the rest of the world, Europe is slowly coming back to normalcy. However, the prospect of a second coronavirus wave looms large. Most European countries have rejected the notion of a second lockdown, but we haven't seen the end of the virus.

The governments have already issued some guidelines to open public, commercial, and community buildings on their part. The general guidelines deal with checking the facilities to ensure all systems are running without problems. 

In the case of public or commercial buildings, you should do a risk assessment to keep vulnerable people safe. The government advises opening low-density buildings first to reduce risks. 

Moreover, the government has made social distancing mandatory in all buildings. Occupants should always be able to maintain a 2-meter distance. Along with that, they should use face coverings and practice good hygiene once inside the premises.

Additionally, businesses and building owners should allow sufficient time and resources for cleaning and disinfecting buildings. Some best practices include-

● Opening doors and windows to improve ventilation

● Use of signs encouraging better hygiene

● Providing adequate disinfectants and sanitizers at strategic places

● Proper disposal of PPE and face masks

Asia

Different countries in Asia are taking steps to minimize the transmission of coronavirus once buildings open. RICS has already published a set of guidelines for opening commercial spaces in China that stress social distancing and better hygiene.

Buildings owners are encouraged to screen visitors at entry to reduce the chances of transmission. Also, RICS promotes the use of technology to avoid human contact, like using scanning Q.C. codes with smartphones for visitor registration. 

Japan, with its few cases of coronavirus, is focusing mainly on air filtration and ventilation. The country has set guidelines to limit the airborne transmission of the virus in its densely populated buildings. 

India has also set a list of guidelines for commercial places. The government encourages building owners to mandate social distancing and screen visitors at entry. Property owners will also need to follow thorough disinfectant procedures for offices and commercial spaces. 

Other countries in Asia are also following similar guidelines.

Australia

Australia is not far behind to ensure a safe environment for occupants in buildings. The government encourages limiting visitors or workers at the site and mandating physical distance. The use of signs, barriers, and spreading out furniture can also work wonders to deter transmission. 

Along with that, building owners or employers should-

● Clean surfaces that experience frequent human contact

● Provide PPE and disinfectants 

● Clean and disinfect toilets, lobbies, reception areas, food courts more often

● Encourage visitors or employees to wash hands

Additionally, the government suggests educating visitors and workers about safe practices. People should be discouraged from visiting public spaces if they are sick or have COVID symptoms. 

The Australian government advises building owners to make a plan for reopening after assessing the current situation. They should also take the number of occupants into account to develop prevention and safety strategies. 

Moreover, the number of occupants has to increase gradually through constant monitoring and evaluation of safety practices. 

Final Thoughts

Government-issued guidelines around the world boil down to three main aspects. The first requirement is to check all building systems to ensure they are running fine.

The next step is screening visitors and ensuring proper physical distancing. In the end, building owners should ensure adequate disinfection and provide necessary PPE or disinfectants to visitors. Also, don't forget to encourage visitors to practice better hygiene.